**V*Ci. 


I      ,  *. 


PRESENTED    TO 

^oliinilikn  §0 

Ingenium  urn  Splendescit. 

!™  L 2 Sfo.         2  J 


caB^r-^*^"* 


h^m 


TRINITY   COLLEGE 
LIBRARY 

DURHAM,  NORTH  CAROLINA 


Rec'd 


•-•-.•>'- 


w& 


££ 


frl^lfrnZS 

V~^T*^^»Ny 

&&% 

FiiSiGf  iifffi 

fcsfc'l 

KiHi 

wrL    jt  7    ^ 

aM 

y*  ^«kpE&> 

HE 

PERKINS  LIBRARY 

Duke   University 


Kare  Doolcs 


fe? 


Y- 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2011  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


http://www.archive.org/details/americanmilitary02blan 


I 


f 


J 


11  'V    1 1  IL'I    i»t      M    A    I!    ,\  'I'    0    I.',    A    , 


AMERICAN 

MILITARY    BIOGRAPHY: 


containing 


THE  LIVES  AND  CHARACTERS 


or  the 


OFFICERS  OF  THE  REVOLUTION. 


WHO  WERE  MOST  DISTINGUISHED  IN 


\CHIEVING  OUR  NATIONAL  INDEPENDENCE 


♦-?::-« 


ALSO... .THE  LIFE  OF 

GILBERT  MOTIER  LA  FAYETTE, 

MAJOR-GENERAL  IN  THE    CONTINENTAL   ARMY MARSHAL  OP  FRANCE. 

AND  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF  OF  THE  NATIONAL  GUARDS. 


PUBLISHED  FOR  E.  WALTERS. 


J 

1       ' 


CINCINNATI . 
PRINTED    AT    THE    CHRONICLE    OFFICE 

Price  Three  Dollars  and  Fifty  Cents. 

1830 


E 

863 


A 
SUMMARY  VIEW 

OF  THE  CAUSES  WHICH  LED  TO  THE 

AMERICAN  REVOLUTION 


Although  the  narrow  and  illiberal  policy  of  the  British 
government  towards  her  North  American  colonies,  from  their 
first  settlement,  was  calculated  to  alienate  the  affections  of  the 
colonies  from  the  parent  country;  yet  from  their  exposed  situa- 
tion, and  habitual  loyalty,  this  unworthy  conduct,  long  perse- 
vered in,  produced  no  sensible  impressions  on  the  Americans, 
their  loyalty  and  attachment  to  the  interests  of  Britain  were 
not  in  the  smallest  degree  impaired,  down  to  the  period  of  the 
peace  of  Paris  in  1 763.  Never  had  they  shown  so  much  zeal, 
or  made  such  great  sacrifices  in  the  cause  of  their  country,  as 
during  the  preceding  war;  having  lost  more  than  twenty-five 
thousand  men,  expended  all  the  revenues  they  could  raise,  and 
involved  themselves  deeply  in  debt.  Almost  the  whole  burdens 
of  the  war  in  America  had  fallen  on  the  colonies ;  and  their 
exertions  were  altogether  disproportionate  to  their  means,  and 
tended  greatly  to  impoverish  and  distress  them.  After  eighi 
years'  arduous  struggles,  attended  with  the  greatest  sacrifices, 
the  successful  termination  of  the  war — the  dominion  of  France 
in  America  being  relinquished  forever;  occasioned  universal 
joy  throughout  the  colonies;  they  forgot  their  sufferings  and 
distresses,  in  the  fair  prospects  which  the  peace  afforded. 

But  these  prospects  were  of  short  duration;   the  peace  of 
Paris  formed  a  new  era  in  the  views  and  conduct  of  Great 


i\  V  .SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

Britain  towards  her  colonics  in  America.  The  possessions  of 
France,  in  America,  having  been  ceded  to  Britain,  and  having 
no  longer  any  fear  of  her  power  in  this  hemisphere,  a  system 
of  measures  was  pursued  towards  the  colonies,  originating  in 
jealousy,  and  tending  to  despotism.  As  soon  as  the  colonies 
had  fought  their  way  to  a  condition,  which  afforded  the  pros- 
pect of  rapidly  increasing  in  population  and  wealth,  attempts 
were  made  to  restrict  their  commercial  and  political  privile- 
ges, and  gradually  to  reduce  them  to  the  most  wretched  state  of 
colonial  vassalage.  For  a  century  and  a  half,  the  colonies  had 
been  left  to  themselves  as  to  taxation ;  their  own  local  assemblies 
had  provided  the  necessary  revenues  to  defray  the  expenses  of 
their  governments,  and  the  parliament  of  Great  Britain  had 
neither  directly  nor  indirectly  ever  attempted  to  derive  a  dol- 
lar of  revenue  from  America;  although  various  acts  had  from 
time  to  time  been  passed,  regulating  the  trade  and  commerce 
of  the  colonies,  yet  none  of  these  were  designed  or  regarded, 
either  in  Britain  or  America,  as  revenue  laws. 

But  in  an  inauspicious  moment,  the  British  ministry  conceived 
the  idea  of  taxing  the  colonies,  under  the  pretence  of  provid- 
ing for  their  protection,  but  in  reality  to  relieve  the  nation  from 
the  immense  debt,  the  weight  of  which  hung  heavily  upon  it. 
This  iniquitous  scheme,  originating  with  the  cabinet,  was  easily 
introduced  into  parliament;  and  in  March,  1764,  as  a  prelude 
to  the  memorable  Stamp  Act.,  the  house  of  commons  resolved, 
"  That  towards  further  defraying  the  necessary  expenses  of 
protecting  the  colonies,  it  may  be  necessary  to  charge  certain  stamp 
duties  upon  them;  and  this  resolution  was  followed  by  what  was 
commonly  called  the  Sugar  Act,  passed  on  the  5th  of  April, 
and  introduced  by  the  following  truly  alarming  preamble: — 
"  Whereas  it  is  just  and  necessary  that  a  revenue  be  raised  in 
America,  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  defending,  protecting 
and  securing  the  same;  we,  the  commons,  &c.  towards  raising 
the  same,  give  and  grant  unto  your  majesty,  after  the  29th  day 
of  September,  1764,  on  clayed  sugar,  indigo  and  coffee,  of  for- 
eign produce,  [and  various  other  articles,]  the  sum  of,"  &c. — 
This  was  the  first  act  adopted  by  parliament,  for  the  avowed 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  v 

object  of  raising  a  revenue  in  the  colonies.  The  justice  of  this 
measure,  which  appeared  so  clear  to  the  British  parliament, 
was  regarded  in  America  as  oppression  and  tyranny  and  occa- 
sioned great  excitement  and  alarm.  The  deceptive  preten- 
sion, that  the  revenue  was  to  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
tecting the  colonies,  was  only  adding  insult  to  injustice;  as  the 
colonies  supposed  that  they  were  capable  of  protecting  them- 
selves, and  they  apprehended  that  the  object  was  rather  under 
the  pretence  of  affording  them  protection,  to  maintain  a  mili- 
tary force  in  America,  for  the  purpose  of  dragooning  them  into 
submission,  and  enforcing  an  unconstitutional  system  of  taxa- 
tion; thereby  rendering  them  the  instruments  of  forging  their 
own  chains.  This  act  was  rendered  more  disgusting,  by  a  pro- 
vision that  the  money  raised  by  it  must  be  paid  in  specie,  and 
another,  that  those  charged  with  having  violated  the  revenue 
laws,  might  be  prosecuted  in  the  courts  of  admiralty;  whereby 
they  were  deprived  of  the  privilege  of  trial  by  a  jury,  and 
were  liable  to  be  condemned  by  a  single  officer  of  the  crown, 
whose  salary  was  to  be  paid  from  the  very  forfeitures  decreed 
by  himself.  And  this  was  not  all,  or  even  the  worst;  as  the 
trial  was  conducted  on  such  principles,  that  the  accused,  con- 
trary to  the  well  known  maxims  of  the  common  law,  and  repug- 
nant to  every  idea  of  justice,  was  obliged  to  prove  himself  inno- 
cent, or  suffer  the  penalties  of  the  law.  These  iniquitous  pro- 
ceedings destroyed  all  security  of  property,  and  left  every  one 
at  the  mercy  of  the  minions  of  the  British  crown.  Their  per- 
nicious influence  was  soon  felt  extensively  in  the  colonies;  they 
no  longer  regarded  Great  Britain  as  an  affectionate  mother, 
but  viewed  her  in  the  light  of  a  selfish,  cruel  and  imperious 
4ep-mother.  The  designs  of  the  ministry  were  penetrated, 
and  occasioned  great  alarm,  which  spread  wider  and  wider, 
until  it  became  universal.  The  press,  that  great  engine  of 
truth  and  liberty,  was  called  into  requisition;  the  subject  was 
ably  and  elaborately  discussed;  and  the  more  it  was  discussed* 
and  the  better  it  was  understood,  the  more  strong  and  deter- 
mined the  opposition  became.  All  the  colonics  petitioned  and 
vfmonstrated  against  these  obnoxious  measures,  and,  most  of 


v i  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

them  appointed  agents  to  present  their  memorials  to  parha 
mcnt,  or  the  king. 

But  notwithstanding  the  excitement  and  opposition  in  Ame- 
rica, and  the  remonstrances  of  the  colonies,  Mr.  Grenville,  whc 
was  at  the  head  of  the  treasury,  prepared  the  Stamp-Bill,  and 
introduced  it  into  parliament,  in  February,  1765;  and  although 
opposed  with  all  the  powers  of  eloquence,  by  Alderman  Beck- 
ford,  Mr.  Jackson,  Colonel  Barre,  Sir  William  Meredith  and 
others,  it  was  adopted  by  a  great  majority;  fifty  only  voting 
in  opposition,  out  of  about  three  hundred  members,  who  were 
present.  On  the  second  reading  of  the  bill,  various  petitions, 
not  only  from  the  colonies,  but  from  the  London  merchants, 
interested  in  the  American  trade,  were  presented;  but  the  peti- 
tions were  not  even  received,  being  refused,  on  the  plea  that 
no  memorial  could  be  received  on  a  money  bill.  Having  pas- 
sed both  houses  of  parliament,  on  the  22d  of  March,  the  Stamp 
Act  received  the  royal  assent.  Dr.  Franklin,  then  in  England, 
as  agent  for  Pennsylvania,  wrote  to  Charles  Thompson,  after- 
wards secretary  of  congress — "The  sun  of  liberty  is  set;  you 
must  light  up  the  lamps  of  industry  and  economy."  Mr. 
Thompson,  in  a  spirited  reply,  observed,  "  That  he  thought 
other  lights  would  be  lighted  up  to  resist  these  unconstitutional 
measures."  It  is  unnecessary  to  add,  that  this  prediction  was 
soon  fulfilled. 

This  unjust  and  impolitic  act  was  the  first  great  cause  which 
led  to  the  American  revolution;  indeed,  it  was  substantially 
the  first  scene  in  the  bloody  drama  of  that  revolution.  It  was 
passed  in  parliament,  on  the  7th  of  February,  1765,  under  the 
ministry  of  Lord  Grenville,  and  was  repealed  on  the  1 8th  of 
March,  1766,  from  the  influence  of  Mr.  Pitt.  This  period  of 
thirteen  months  was  the  most  eventful  and  tumultuous  of  any 
which  had  hitherto  occurred ;  the  apprehensions  of  the  peo- 
ple were  roused  to  the  highest  pitch,  and  the  most  determi- 
ned spirit  of  opposition  prevailed  throughout  the  colonies. — 
The  Americans  had  not  believed  that  the  act  would  be  pas- 
sed, and  on  receiving  the  intelligence,  every  one  was  struck 
with  astonishment  and  filled  with  consternation;  they  looked 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  Vli 

at  each  other  with  amazement,  and  for  a  short  interval 
hesitated  what  course  to  pursue;  but  soon  recovering  from 
their  consternation  they  determined  not  to  submit  to  such  a  fla- 
grant outrage  on  their  rights.  In  Boston,  the  ships  in  the  har- 
bour, in  token  of  the  deepest  mourning,  suspended  their  colours 
half-mast  high;  the  bells  were  rung  muffled;  and  the  obnox- 
ious act,  with  a  death's  head  in  front  of  it,  with  the  motto— 

"  THE  FOLLY  OF  ENGLAND  AND  THE  RUIN  OF  AMERICA,"  Was  Carri- 
ed in  solemn  procession  about  the  streets.  The  discontents 
soon  spread  throughout  the  colonies,  and  the  opposition  became 
general  and  determined;  the  spirit  of  the  people  gave  a  tone 
to  the  colonial  assemblies,  and  bold  and  decided  resolutions 
were  adopted  against  the  iniquitous  scheme  of  parliamentary 
taxation.  Virginia  took  the  lead,  and  on  the  28th  of  May, 
1765,  Patrick  Henry  introduced  his  celebrated  resolutions  in 
the  house  of  burgesses,  which  declared  that  the  inhabitants  of 
that  colony  were  entitled  to,  and  had  possessed  and  enjoyed  all 
the  rights,  liberties  and  privileges  of  the  people  of  Great  Brit- 
ain ;  that  the  general  assembly  of  the  colony  had  always  exer- 
cised and  alone  possessed  the  power  to  levy  taxes  and  imposts 
on  the  inhabitants  of  the  colony,  and  that  they  "were  not 
bound  to  yield  obedience  to  any  law  or  ordinance  whatsoever, 
designed  to  impose  any  taxation  whatever  upon  them  other 
than  the  law  and  ordinances  of  the  general  assembly."  So 
bold  and  unexpected  wefe  these  resolutions,  that  whilst  they 
were  reading,  one  of  the  members  cried  out  "treason!  treason!"1 
These  resolutions  were  communicated  to  all  the  colonies, 
and  the  spirit  they  breathed  spread  from  one  legislature  to  ano- 
ther, and  their  sentiments  were  reiterated  in  resolutions  adopt- 
ed by  the  legislatures  and  freemen  in  public  meetings.  Com- 
mittees were  appointed,  by  the  assemblies  of  the  colonies,  to 
correspond  with  each  other,  and  to  meet  for  consultation;  the 
object  of  which  was  to  secure  harmony  of  feeling  and  concert 
of  action.  These  measures  had  a  very  happy  effect ;  in  the 
mean  time,  the  press  teemed  with  constant  publications,  vindi- 
cating the  rights  of  the  colonies;  and  many  of  them  were  of 
a  highly  inflammatory  character,  calculated  to  raise  Ihe  pub 


Mil  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

lie  mind  to  the  highest  pitch.  The  pulpit  also,  particularly  in 
New-England,  laboured  in  the  same  cause  with  great  zeal  and 
effect;  the  flame  of  liberty  kindled  from  breast  to  breast,  and 
spread  from  province  to  province,  until  the  conflagration  be- 
came general.  The  spirit  of  opposition  ran  so  high  as  to  break 
out  into  acts  of  tumult  and  disorder.  In  Boston  the  effigy  of 
Mr.  Oliver,  the  stamp-master,  was  burnt,  and  his  house  assail- 
ed, partly  demolished,  and  his  furniture  destroyed;  and  soon 
after,  the  house  of  William  Storer,  deputy-register  of  the  court 
of  admiralty,  was  attacked,  and  the  books  and  files  of  the  court 
destroyed ;  and  the  house  of  Benjamin  Hallowell,  comptroller  of 
the  customs,  shared  the  same  fate.  These  outrages  were  follow- 
ed by  a  more  bold  and  daring  attack  upon  the  dwelling  of  Mr. 
Hutchinson,  lieutenant-governor  of  the  province;  he  was  oblig- 
ed to  flee  to  save  his  life,  and  his  house  was  entirely  demolished, 
except  the  walls  and  every  thing  in  it  destroyed  or  carried  off. 
Similar  outrages  were  committed  in  other  places.  In  Connec- 
ticut, Mr.  Ingersoll,  the  stamp  officer,  was  burnt  in  effigy  in 
many  towns;  and  whilst  he  was  proceeding  from  New-Haven 
to  Hartford,  where  the  assembly  was  in  session,  he  was  pursu- 
ed and  overtaken  by  a  large  concourse  of  people,  some  from 
more  than  thirty  miles,  and  compelled  to  resign  his  office,  which 
was  followed  by  three  hearty  cheers  of  liberty  and  property. 
This  took  place  at  Wethersfield,  from  whence  the  people,  who 
were  headed  by  militia  officers,  proceeded  to  Hartford,  where 
Mr.  Ingersoll  was  compelled  to  read  his  resignation  in  the  hear- 
ing of  the  assembly,  which  was  succeeded  by  loud  acclama- 
tions of  liberty  and  property.  In  New-York  the  stamp  officer 
was  compelled  to  resign,  and  Lieutenant  Governor  Colden  was 
burnt  in  effigy,  with  a  stamp-bill  in  his  hand,  suspended  from 
his  own  coach,  and  the  whole  was  consumed  together. 

In  the  southern  colonies,  the  public  feeling  did  not  lead  to 
the  same  excesses;  but  in  all  of  them,  means  were  found  to 
compel  the  stamp  officers  to  resign;  and  in  all  the  colonies  the 
assemblies  adopted  resolutions  in  opposition  to  the  stamp  act, 
although  in  many  of  them  the  royal  governors  prorogued  and 
attempted  to  stop   their  proceedings.     The   members  of  the 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  IX 

colonial  assemblies  were  animated  and  encouraged  by  the  peo- 
ple, who,  in  most  of  the  towns,  instructed  them  to  oppose  the 
stamp  act.  But  the  most  important  measure  to  unite  the  colo- 
nies and  give  energy  and  effect  to  their  opposition,  was  con- 
vening a  continental  congress,  consisting  of  deputies  appointed 
by  each  colony.  This  measure  was  first  proposed  by  the 
assembly  of  Massachusetts.  The  meeting  was  appointed  to 
be  holden  in  New- York,  in  October,  1765.  All  the  colonies, 
except  New-Hampshire,  Virginia,  North-Carolina,  and  Geor- 
gia, sent  deputies;  the  three  last  of  these  colonies-  were  pre- 
vented by  their  governors,  and  the  first  excused  itself  on  ac- 
count of  its  peculiar  situation.  The  congress,  after  mature 
deliberation,  adopted  a  declaration  of  rights,  and  a  statement 
of  the  grievances  of  the  colonies,  and  asserted  in  the  strongest 
terms,  their  exemption  from  all  taxes  not  imposed  by  their  own 
representatives.  It  also  prepared  a  petition  to  the  house  of 
commons. 

As  the  first  of  November,  the  time  when  the  stamp  act  was 
to  go  into  operation,  approached,  public  feeling  became  still 
stronger  and  was  exerted  to  the  utmost  to  prevent  the  execu- 
tion of  the  law.  In  New- York,  ten  boxes  of  stamps  which  had 
arrived  there  for  Connecticut,  were  seized  by  the  populace 
and  burned ;  and  in  other  ports,  the  masters  of  vessels,  which 
brought  out  stamps,  were  compelled  to  return  with  their  de- 
testable cargoes  or  deliver  them  up  to  the  people  to  be  destroy- 
ed. In  Boston,  and  many  of  the  principal  towns,  the  first  of 
November  was  kept  as  a  day  of  mourning  and  deep  distress: 
all  the  shops  were  shut,  the  bells  were  tolled  muffled,  and  the 
effigies  of  the  authors  and  abettors  of  the  act  were  carried  in 
procession  through  the  streets,  and  then  torn  to  pieces  and  con- 
sumed by  the  flames. 

The  lawyers  of  the  supreme  court  of  New-Jersey  resolved 
that  they  would  not  purchase  the  stamps  in  their  professional 
business,  and  that  they  would  relinquish  their  practice  as  a* 
sacrifice  to  the  public  good ;  and  the  principal  merchants  in 
the  colonies,  and  great  numbers  of  other  classes  of  the  inha- 
bitants, entered  into  solemn  engagements  not  only  to  refuse  to 
2 


X  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

use  the  stamps,  but  also  not  to  import  any  more  goods  from 
Great  Britain  until  the  stamp  act  should  he  repealed.     Asso- 
ciations were  formed,  called  the  "  Sons  of  Liberty,",  the  object 
of  which  was.  to  assist  and  protect  with  force,  if  necessary, 
every  one  who  might  be  in  danger  from  his  resistance  or  oppo- 
sition to  the  stamp  act.     This  bold  association  originated  in 
New- York,  and  prevailed  throughout  New-England,  and,  had 
not  the  act  been  repealed,  must  have  led  to  civil  war.     The 
restrictive  measures  produced  distress  and  tumults  in  England: 
large  numbers  of  the  manufacturers  being  thrown  out  of  em- 
ployment, and  more    than   forty   thousand,  with  black   flags, 
appeared  in  the  streets  in  London,  and  surrounded  the  royal 
palace  and  parliament  house.     Fortunately  a  change  of  minis- 
try took  place,  in  consequence  of  what  was  called  the  regency 
bill,   and  Lord   Grenville  was  succeeded   by   the  Marquis  of 
Rockingham,  as  first  lord  of  the  treasury,  and  the  duke  of 
Grafton  and  General  Conway  were  appointed  secretaries  of 
state.     In  January  the  parliament  met;  the  affairs  of  America 
occupied  the  principal  attention,  and  the  first  talents  of  the 
house  were  engaged  in  the  discussion.     Mr.  Pitt,  who  had  been 
confined  to  his  bed  by  sickness,  when  the  stamp  act  was  pass- 
ed, now  came  forward  as  the  great  champion  of  the  rights  of 
the  Americans,  and  with  his  manly  and  all-powerful  eloquence, 
opposed  the  unjust,  unconstitutional  and  dangerous  measures; 
he  even  justified  the  Americans  in  their  resistance  of  an  act  of 
tyranny  and  oppression.     After  a  long  and  animated  discus- 
sion, the  act  was  repealed,  accompanied,  however,  with  a  dec- 
laration, "  that  the  king  and  parliament  had,  and  of  right  ought 
to  have,  full  power  and  authority  to  make  laws  and  statutes  of 
sufficient  force  to  bind  the  colonies,  and  his  majesty's  subjects 
in  them,  in  all  cases  whatsoever.'''1     An  act  of  indemnity  was  also 
passsed. 

The  repeal  of  the  obnoxious  act  occasioned  universal  joy, 
both  in  Great  Britain  and  America;  the  ships  in  the  Thames 
displayed  their  colours,  and  the  whole  city  of  London  was  illu- 
minated ;  and  in  the  colonies,  notwithstanding  the  declaratory 
*ct,  asserting  the  principle  of  taxation,  the  joy  and  rejoicings 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  XI 

were  universal ;  the  non-importation  resolutions  were  rescind- 
ed; animosities,  ill-treatment,  and  every  thing  past,  were  for- 
gotten, and   commercial  intercourse  with  Great  Britain  was 
resumed  with  greater  activity  than  ever  before  had  been  wit- 
nessed.    The  colonies  hoped  and  believed,  that  harmony  would 
now  be  restored,  and  did  every  thing  in  their  power  to  promote 
this  desirable  object.     But  the  officers  of  the  crown,  the  min- 
ions of  power,  and  the  expectants  of  place,  kept  up  a  corres- 
pondence with  the  officers  of  the  British  government  at  home, 
and  attempted  to  promote  their  own  selfish  views  by  misrepre- 
senting  their   countrymen.     Governor  Bernard  of  Massachu- 
setts, was  the  head  of  this  party,  which  contributed  so  much 
to  breed  difficulties  and  bring  matters  to  a  crisis.     Notwith- 
standing  that  the  declaratory  act  still  hung  over  the  heads  of 
the  colonies,  like  a  portentous  cloud,  it  was  not  generally  ex- 
pected that  the  British  government  would  very  soon  make  ano- 
ther so  dangerous  an  experiment.     But  these  reasonable  expect- 
ations, however,  soon  proved  to  be  fallacious,  and  all  reliance 
on  the  justice  or  liberality  of  Britain,  were  found  to  be  deceptive 
and  dangerous.     Notwithstanding  the  distraction  into  which 
the  colonies  had  been  thrown,  by  the  stamp  act,  within  a  few 
months  after  its  repeal,  and  before  the  wounds  it  had  occasion- 
ed   had  had  time  to   heal,  the  chancellor  of  the  exchequer, 
Charles  Townsend,  came  forward  with  a  new  scheme  of  tax- 
ing America,  and  was  so  sanguine  in  his  views,  that  he  pledged 
his  character  for  the  success  of  the  project.     The  new  reve- 
nue scheme  was,  to  take  off  the  duties  on  teas,  which  were 
paid  in  Great  Britain,  and  to  levy  three  pence  per  pound  on 
all  that  was  purchased  in  America,  and  also  a  duty  on  paper, 
glass  and  several  other  articles.     A  board  of  customs  was  esta- 
blished, and  commissioners  appointed  to  set  in  Boston  to  col- 
lect the  duties ;  and  the  custom-officers  were  to  be  paid  from 
the  revenue  thus  raised;  and  the  governor,  judges  of  the  supe- 
rior court,  and  other  officers  in  Massachusetts,  who  had  hither- 
to been  dependant  for  their  salaries  on  the  assembly,  to  render 
them  independent  of  the  people,  and  more  devoted  to  Great 
Britain,  were  also  to  be  paid  from  these  revenues.     And  to  car- 


Xll  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

ry  the  iniquitous  system  into  effect  (as  unjust  laws  can  only  be 
enforced  by  unjust  means,)  the  powers  of  the  court  of  admiralty 
were  greatly  extended,  so  as  to  deprive  the  people  of  trial  by 
jury  in  prosecutions  for  violating  the  revenue  laws.  Writs  of 
Assistance,  as  they  were  called,  issued  by  the  governor,  or  any 
officer  of  the  revenue,  authorised  searching  the  house  of  the 
most  respectable  inhabitant  in  the  province,  on  suspicion  of  the 
concealment  of  contraband  or  smuggled  goods. 

When  intelligence  of  these  new  parliamentary  regulations 
reached  America,  they  occasioned  universal  astonishment,  and 
revived  all  the  excitement  and  alarm  which  prevailed  during 
the  stamp  act.  In  the  minds  of  reflecting  men  they  were  re- 
garded as  more  dangerous  than  that  obnoxious  act,  as  an  indi- 
rect and  disguised  system  of  taxation  had  a  more  certain  and 
fatal  tendency  to  undermine  the  liberties  and  enslave  the  peo- 
ple, than  direct  taxes.  The  colonies,  assailed  by  the  same  inju- 
ries, had  recourse  to  the  former  measures  oi  complaint  and  sup- 
plication ;  but  their  petitions  were  not  even  read,  and  their  re- 
monstrances treated  with  contempt,  thus  adding  insult  to  injus- 
tice.  These  accumulated  injuries  and  indignities  aroused  the 
fears  and  spirit  of  the  colonies;  and  a  circular  letter,  address- 
ed to  the  other  colonies,  by  the  assembly  of  Massachusetts,  con- 
tributed to  diffuse  the  flame  and  lead  to  concert  of  action. — 
This  letter  was  dated  the  11th  of  February,  1768,  and  the  sen- 
timents it  contained  were  reiterated  by  most  of  the  colonial 
assemblies.  From  the  bold  and  determined  conduct  of  the 
assembly  of  Massachusetts,  it  was  prorogued  by  the  governor. 
Another  assembly  was  convened  in  May  following,  to  which 
the  governor,  in  his  first  communication,  insolently  demanded 
of  them,  as  required  by  the  British  Secretary  of  State,  to  re- 
scind the  resolutions  of  the  preceding  assembly,  which  led  to 
the  circular  letter,  and  intimated  that  unless  they  complied  im- 
mediately they  would  be  dissolved  at  once.  But  the  assembly 
acted  with  a  firmness  which  became  the  defenders  of  liberty; 
and  instead  of  complying  with  this  haughty  mandate,  petition- 
ed the  king  for  the  removal  of  the  royal  governor,  and  charged 
upon  him  a  long  catalogue  of  crimes.     The  governor,  exasper- 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  A MERICAN  REVOLUTION.  xill 

ated  at  their  conduct,  immediately  dissolved  the  mutinous  as- 
sembly, and  applied  to  the  commander  in  chief  of  the  king's 
troops,  then  in  New- York,  to  have  several  additional  regiments 
sent  to  Boston.  Alarmed  at  these  circumstances,  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Boston  beseeched  the  governor  to  convene  another  as- 
sembly; but  he  treated  their  request  with  contempt.  The 
crisis  required  something  to  be  done,  without  delay,  and  accord- 
ingly letters  were  written  to  every  town  in  the  colony  requesting 
the  appointment  of  delegates  to  meet  in  convention  at  Boston, 
before  the  arrival  of  the  troops.  Delegates  from  ninety-six 
towns  met  on  the  *22d  of  September.  The  governor  instantly 
sent  them  an  angry  message,  commanding  them  to  disperse, 
threatening,  in  case  of  refusal,  that  they  would  suffer  the  conse- 
quence of  their  temerity.  The  convention,  however,  was  not 
frightened  into  submission,  but  gave  their  reasons  for  convening, 
continued  their  deliberations, and  prepared  a  petition  to  theking. 

On  the  first  of  October,  the  troops  arrived  and  landed;  and, 
sword  in  hand,  paraded  through  the  streets  of  Boston,  which 
were  filled  with  vast  crowds,  who  with  sullen  silence,  denoting 
the  deepest  resentment,  witnessed  this,  the  first  act  in  the  great 
and  bloody  drama  about  to  be  performed.  No  tumult  or  resist- 
ance, however,  ensued,  notwithstanding  the  troops  were  quar- 
tered in  the  houses  of  the  inhabitants.  The  assembly  met  in  May, 
1769,  and  immediately  adopted  several  spirited  resolutions; 
that  the  placing  an  armed  force  where  the  legislature  was  con- 
vened, to  overawe  their  deliberations,  was  a  breach  of  privilege, 
and  that  the  quartering  of  troops  on  the  inhabitants,  in  time  of 
peace,  was  illegal,  and  a  violation  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of 
British  subjects. 

A  standing  army  was  now  stationed  in  the  capital  of  Massachu- 
setts, for  the  avowed  object  of  coercing  the  inhabitants  into  sub- 
mission; their  commerce  fettered,  their  characters  traduced, 
the  assembly  prevented  from  meeting,  and  the  petitions  of  all 
classes  to  have  the  assembly  convened,  treated  with  contempt 
by  an  insolent  governor,  who  threatened  to  augment  the  troops, 
and  enforce  at  all  hazards,  his  arbitrary  and  tyrannical  mea- 
sures i  it  cannot  be  surprising  that  the  fears  and  exasperations  of 


xiv  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

the  people  exceeded  what  had  ever  been  witnessed  before.  At 
this  alarming  conjuncture,  something  must  be  done,  and  there 
was  no  other  alternative  but  submission  or  resistance,  as  petitions 
had  been  treated  with  such  contempt,  that  to  memorialize  any 
branch  of  the  British  government  would  be  equivalent  to  submis- 
sion; and  there  were  but  two  ways  of  resistance,  either  an  ap- 
peal to  the  sword,  or  an  entire  suspension  of  all  commercial 
intercourse  with  Great  Britain,  which,  as  was  said  by  Mr.  Pitt  in 
his  speech,  furnished  the  means  whereby  Britain  had  carried 
on  the  war  with  France,  and  which  if  continued,  would  afford 
the  means  of  their  own  oppression.  As  all  the  colonies  were 
involved  in  one  common  danger,  they  readily  entered  into  the 
most  solemn  engagements,  that  no  British  or  In'dia  goods  should 
be  imported,  except  a  few  specified  articles  of  necessary  use. 
The  effects  of  these  arrangements  were  soon  felt  in  England, 
and  produced  clamors,  and  even  tumults  in  some  parts  of  the 
kingdom.  But  the  partizans  of  the  crown  in  America,  endea- 
vored by  their  correspondence,  to  induce  the  ministry  to  perse- 
vere in  their  oppressive  measures,  and  represented  in  the 
strongest  terms,  that  the  interruption  of  commerce  was  only  an 
effort  of  desperation,  which  could  not  last  long.  They  advised 
the  ministry  to  purchase  large  quantities  of  goods,  designed  for 
the  American  market,  and  also  to  allow  the  merchants  engaged 
in  the  American  trade,  a  premium  equal  to  the  profits  of  their 
stock  in  business.  "If  these  measures  are  adopted,"  said  Mr. 
Oliver,  secretary  in  Massachusetts,  in  one  of  his  letters,  "the 
game  will  soon  be  up  with  my  countrymen." 

The  assembly  which  convened  at  Boston  in  May,  set  several 
weeks  without  doing  any  business,  as  they  refused  to  act  as  long 
as  an  armed  force  was  quartered  in  the  town,  and  surrounded 
the  house  where  they  were  in  session;  they  were  finally  ad- 
journed to  Cambridge.  They  sent  several  messages  to  the  go- 
vernor to  have  the  troops  removed,  but  after  evading  the  mat- 
ter for  some  time,  he  declared  he  had  no  authority  over  the 
king's  troops;  thus  admitting  that  the  military  was  above  the 
civil  power  in  the  province.  Governor  Bernard  sent  a  provo- 
king message,  stating  the  expenditures,  of  quartering  the  troops 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  XV 

on  the  town,  and  requesting  that  provision  be  made  for  the  pay- 
ment  of  the  same,  and  also  for  their  future  support;  the  a«sem- 
bly  were  thus  called  on  to  maintain  the  instruments  by  which 
they  were  to  be  oppressed  and  enslaved.  But  instead  of  com- 
plying with  this  request,  they  passed  several  spirited  resolu- 
tions, censuring  the  conduct  of  the  governor  and  Gen.  Gage, 
for  their  rash  and  oppressive  measures,  their  wanton  violations 
of  the  constitution,  the  introduction  of  a  standing  army  in  time 
of  peace,  and  their  encroachments  on  the  liberties  of  the  citi- 
zens and  of  the  province.  The  governor  had  received  an  order 
to  repair  to  England,  and  lay  before  the  king  the  state  of  the 
colony;  which  he  communicated  to  the  assembly,  with  a  re- 
quest that  his  salary  might  be  continued  during  his  absence,  as 
his  office  would  remain.  But  the  assembly  informed  him  in 
decided  terms,  that  they  could  not  comply  with  either  of  his 
requests.  On  receiving  this  answer,  he  immediately,  after  a 
short,  angry,  and  threatening  speech,  prorogued  the  legislature. 
He  soon  after  set  sail  for  Europe,  then  little  thinking  that  he 
should  never  return  to  a  country  that,  by  his  violent  temper  and 
arbitrary  conduct,  he  had  brought  to  the  brink  of  civil  war. — 
His  reception  at  court  convinced  the  Americans  of  the  truth 
of  what  they  feared,  that  the  governor  had  been  sent  for,  as  a 
mischievous  emissary,  rather  than  for  an  impartial  inquiry  into 

the  real  situation  of  the  province,  or  an  investigation  of  his 
own  conduct. 

Thomas  Hutchinson,  the  lieutenant-governor,  was  appointed 
to  succeed  Governor  Bernard.  Hutchinson  was  a  native  of 
Boston,  and  had  run  a  career  of  popularity;  whilst,  however, 
he  was  courting  the  people  at  home,  he  was  not  less  assiduous  in 
ingratiating  himself  into  the  favour  of  the  British  government, 
by  misrepresenting  his  countrymen.  He  was  artful  and  plausi- 
ble, and  possessed  of  popular  talents;  but  was  insidious,  dark, 
intriguing  and  ambitious;  and  the  extreme  of  avarice  marked 
every  feature  of  his  character.  His  appointment  was  announ- 
ced at  the  close  of  the  year  1769.  He  immediately  assumed 
a  more  haughty  tone,  and  aimed  at  more  high  handed  measures 
than  his  predecessor,  and  commenced  his  administration  by  in- 


XVI  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

forming  the  assembly  that  he  was  independent  of  them  and  the 
people,  as  his  majesty  had  made  provision  for  his  salary.  Se- 
cure of  the  favour  of  his  sovereign,  he  treated  the  people  and 
the  assembly  with  contempt,  and  answered  their  repeated  solici- 
tations to  remove  the  troops  from  the  capital,  by  withdrawing 
the  garrison  from  a  strong  fortress  in  the  harbour  of  Boston,  who 
were  in  the  pay  of  the  province,  and  replacing  them  by  two 
regiments  of  the  king's  troops..  The  ebullitions,  of  popular 
feeling,  were  so  high  as  to  occasion  great  alarm  with  the  lead- 
ing patriots,  that  it  would  break  out  into  acts  of  violence,  which 
might  injure  the  cause  of  the  people.  The  miserable  minions 
of  power  in  America,  endeavoured  to  promote  this  result,  and 
openly  avowed,  "that  the  only  method  to  restore  tranquility, 
was  to  take  off  the  original  incendiaries,  whose  writings  had  in- 
stilled the  poison  of  sedition  into  the  people."  James  Otis,  the 
most  active,  bold  and  influential  patriot  of  the  day,  having  pub- 
lished under  his  proper  signature,  some  severe  strictures  on  the 
conduct  of  the  officers  of  the  crown,  was  assaulted  in  a  public 
room,  by  a  band  of  hired  ruffians,  with  swords  and  bludgeons ; 
and  being  covered  with  wounds,  was  left  for  dead.  The  as- 
sassins made  their  escape,  and  took  refuge  on  board  the  king's 
ships  in  the  harbour.  Mr.  Otis  survived,  but  the  lamp  of  his 
understanding  which  had  glowed  with  such  effulgence,  was 
overcast  with  clouds  and  darkness.  Mr.  John  Adams  says  that 
he  "laid  the  foundation  of  the  American  revolution,  with  an 
energy,  and  with  those  masterly  talents  which  no  other  man 
possessed;"  and  he  is  justly  considered  as  the  first  martyr  to 
American  liberty. 

The  insults  which  the  inhabitants  constantly  experienced, 
from  the  soldiers,  increased  their  animosity  towards  them  to 
such  a  degree,  as  to  lead  to  violence  and  blood-shed.  On  the 
2d  of  JVIarch,  1770,  an  affray  took  place  between  a  party  of  sol- 
diers of  the  29th  regiment,  and  some  rope-makers,  in  front  of 
Mr.  Gray's  rope-walk.  This  was  followed  by  a  more  alarming 
outrage  on  the  5th;  the  indignant  populace  pressed  upon  and 
insulted  the  soldiers,  while  under  arms,  and  assailed  them  with 
clubs,  sticks  and  snow-balls,  covering  stones.     Being  dared  to 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  xvil 

tire  by  the  mob,  six  of  the  soldiers  discharged  their  muskets, 
which  killed  three  of  the  citizens,  and  wounded  five  others. 
The  effect  of  this  was  electric :  the  town  was  instantly  in  com- 
motion, and  the  mass  of  the  people  were  so  exasperated,  that 
it  required  the  utmost  exertions  to  prevent  their  rallying  and 
driving  the  British  myrmidons  out  of  town;  and  nothing  but 
an  assurance  that  the  troops  should  be  withdrawn,  prevented 
this  resort  to  force.  The  captain  of  the  party  and  eight  men 
were  brought  to  trial;  two  of  them  were  found  guilty;  the 
captain  and  the  other  men  were  acquitted.  A  general  meet- 
ing of  the  inhabitants  was  immediately  assembled  in  Faneuil 
Hall,  who  unanimously  resolved  that  no  armed  force  should  be 
suffered  longer  to  reside  in  the  capital ;  and  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  wait  on  the  governor,  and  request  the  immediate 
removal  of  the  troops.  The  governor  refused  to  act,  under 
pretence  of  want  of  authority;  but  Col.  Dalrymple,  alarmed 
at  the  state  of  things,  proposed  to  withdraw  the  29th  regiment, 
which  was  more  culpable  than  any  other;  but  he  was  informed 
that  not  a  soldier  should  be  left  in  town ;  he  was  reluctantly 
compelled  to  comply,  and  within  four  days  not  a  Red-coat  re- 
mained. This  tragical  affair  produced  the  deepest  impression? 
on  the  minds  of  the  people:  and  the  anniversary  of  the  mas- 
sacre of  the  5th  of  March,  1770,  was  commemorated  for  many 
years,  and  orations  delivered,  which  unfolded  the  blessings 
of  civil  liberty,  the  horrors  of  slavery,  the  dangers  of  standing 
armies,  and  the  rights  of  the  colonies.  These  annual  orations 
administered  fuel  to  the  fire  of  liberty,  and  kept  it  burning 
with  an  incessant  flame,  and  in  no  small  degree  promoted  the 
cause  of  the  colonies,  in  a  manner  that  served  to  give  a  deep- 
er glow  to  the  flame  of  liberty.  In  the  spring  of  1773,  the 
schooner  Gaspee  was  stationed  at  Providence,  to  prevent  smug- 
gling; and  the  conduct  of  the  commander  having  exasperated 
the  inhabitants, two  hundred  men  entered  onboard  the  schoo- 
ner at  night,  and  compelled  the  captain  and  crew  to  go  ashore, 
then  set  fire  to  the  vessel.  The  government  offered  a  reward 
of  five  hundred  pounds,  for  the  apprehension  of  any  of  the  per 
sons  engaged  in  thiff  outrage;  but  such  was  the  spirit  and  una- 
3 


xViii  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

nimitv  of  the  people,  that  this  pecuniary  inducement  produced 
no  effect,  and  the  authors  of  the  outrage  could  not  be  discover- 
ed. About  this  period,  the  letters  of  Governor  Hutchinson 
and  Mr.  Oliver,  to  their  friends  in  England,  urging  the  govern- 
ment to  adopt  more  decisive  and  vigorous  measures,  to  coerce 
the  colonies"  into  submission,  were  discovered  and  sent  back  to 
America  by  Dr.  Franklin,  which,  being  published  by  the  assem- 
bly of  Massachusetts,  greatly  contributed  to  inflame  the  public 
mind,  and  exasperate  the  people  against  these  officers  of  the 
crown,  who  were  justly  charged  with  having  shamefully  be- 
trayed their  trust  and  the  people,  whose  rights  it  was  their  du- 
ty vigilantly  to  guard.  Whilst  the  other  duties  were  repealed, 
that  on  tea  was  retained,  for  the  sole  and  avowed  object  of  main- 
taining the  power,  which  parliament  had  asserted,  of  collecting 
a  revenue  in  America.  The  ministerial  scheme  was  cunning 
and  artful;  but  did  not,  in  the  least  degree,  deceive  the  vigi- 
lance of  the  Americans.  The  object  was  to  cheat  the  colonies 
out  of  their  rights,  by  collecting  an  indirect,  imperceptible  du- 
ty, little  more  than  nominal  in  amount,  which,  however,  if  ac- 
quiesced in,  would  have  been  an  admission  of  the  principle  or  right 
of  Britain  to  raise  a  revenue  in  America.  It  was  an  attempt  to 
obtain,  covertly  and  by  fraud,  what  they  had  attempted,  but 
failed  to  obtain  openly  by  force.  In  the  first  place,  measures 
were  adopted,  openly  and  explicitly,  for  taxing  the  colonies, 
the  duties  to  be  paid  directly  by  the  consumer;  but  being  un- 
able to  enforce  this  act,  it  was  repealed,  accompanied  with  a 
declaration  of  the  right  of  parliament  to  tax  the  Americans  in 
all  cases  whatsoever.  This  naked  assertion  of  a  right,  when 
the  application  of  it  had  been  attempted  and  abandoned,  did 
not  give  the  Americans  much  concern:  they  would  not  have 
cared,  if  the  British  had  kept  that  assertion  of  a  right  to  do 
wrong  on  their  statute-book,  as  long  as  the  two  countries  exist- 
ed, provided  they  had  not  attempted  to  exercise  their  assumed 
right.  But  the  advocates  of  American  taxation  seemed  to  be 
sensible,  that  the  bare  assertion  of  a  right,  after  an  unsuccess* 
ful  attempt  to  enforce  it,  would  amount  to  but  little,  and  that 
conclusions,  obviously  following  the  abandonment  of  the  first 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  XIX 

attempt  to  tax  the  Americans,  would  be  left  in  their  full  force. 
Under  the  circumstances  in  which  the  two  countries  were  pla- 
ced, therefore,  the  right  must  be  enforced,  or  it  must  be  con- 
sidered as  virtually  abandoned.  But  this  had  been  once  attempt- 
ed without  success;  a  more  ingenious  mode,  therefore,  must  be 
devised,  or  one  leas  likely  to  give  alarm  to  the  colonies.  The 
stamp  duties  were  a  direct  tax,  as  the  duties  constituted  the  en- 
tire value  of  the  sum  paid;  but  a  trifling  impost  would  not  be 
perceived,  as  the  duty  would  scarcely  make  any  sensible  differ- 
ence in  the  price  of  the  article.  The  bitter  pill,  which  it  was 
intended  to  make  the  colonies  swallow,  was  gilded  with  sugar. 
The  duty  was  more  artfully  disguised,  than  a  simple  impost.' 
It  was,  in  fact,  no  additional  burden  on  the  consumers  of  tea,  it 
being  only  a  different  mode  of  collecting  the  duty  which  had 
before  been  paid;  yet  this  alteration  of  the  mode  involved  the 
right  and  power  of  parliament  to  establish  a  revenue  system  in 
America.  According  to  the  formeiN-egulations,  the  teas  of  the 
India  Company  were  first  brought  to  England,  where  a  duty 
was  paid  before  they  were  sent  to  the  colonies.  The  scheme 
was  merely  to  change  the  place  and  mode  of  collecting  the  du- 
ty; it  was  to  be  paid  in  America,  instead  of  England ;  for  which 
purpose  custom  regulations  were  established,  and  officers  ap- 
pointed. A  duty  of  three  pence  on  a  pound  of  tea,  would  not 
be  felt  by  the  people,  and  this,  or  rather  a  greater  duty,  had 
been  paid  before  in  England;  so  that,  instead  of  the  burdens  of 
the  people  being  increased,  they  were  rather  lightened  by  this 
new  regulation.  So  artfully  disguised  was  this  scheme.  It  is 
a  maxim  with  many  politicians,  and  too  generally  correct,  that 
the  people  will  not  be  alarmed  or  excited  by  any  principle,  how- 
ever it  may  be  fraught  with  danger;  that  they  must  feci  and 
suffer,  before  their  fears  will  arouse  them  into  action.  But  this 
maxim  did  not  hold  true  with  the  Americans;  they  saw  the 
danger,  and  resolved  to  resist,  at  the  hazard  of  their  lives,  a 
principle,  calculated  to  undermine  the  foundation  of  their  liber- 
ties; although  its  operation  at  the  time  was  not  felt,  in  the 
slightest  degree.  The  resistance  of  the  Americans  to  the 
scheme  of  collecting  a  duty  on  tea  in  America,  instead  ofEng- 


vx  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

land,  was  the  resistance  of  the  principle  which  that  scheme  in- 
volved, solely;  as  no  additional  burden  was  thereby  imposed 
on  the  people.  It  is  believed  that  this  is  the  only  instance  in 
history,  of  an  entire  people  being  roused  to  resistance,  from  mea- 
sures which  were  not  burdensome  or  oppressive  in  their  imme- 
diate operations,  and  dangerous  only  from  the  principle  on  which 
they  were  founded.  This  consideration  affords  the  highest 
evidence  of  the  intelligence  of  the  Americans,  as  well  as  of 
their  extreme  jealousy  and  vigilance,  in  guarding  their  rights. 
That  the  experienced  politician  should  foresee  the  ultimate  de- 
sign and  tendency  of  measures,  not  immediately  oppressive,  is 
natural  enough;  but  that  the  common  people,  or  rather  that 
the  entire  population  of  a  country  should  be  aroused  to  resist- 
ance, on  account  of  measures  not  burdensome  or  oppressive, 
but  dangerous  only  from  the  principle  on  which  they  were 
founded,  is  unparalleled.  It  is  not,  however,  to  be  supposed 
that  the  colonists  would  have  been  so  alarmed  and  aroused  to 
such  a  spirit  of  resistance,  by  the  new  regulations  as  to  tea,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  previous  measures  of  the  parent  country, 
evincing,  in  the  clearest  manner,  a  settled  design  to  exercise 
the  power  of  taxation  over  them.  Tbey  considered  the  new 
regulations  as  to  tea,  as  an  artful  and  disguised  revenue  system, 
although  it  imposed  no  additional  duty,  and  they  were  deter- 
mined not  to  be  cheated  out  of  their  liberties,  as  they  had  be- 
fore resolved  not  to  be  frightened  out  of  them. 

Measures  were  immediately  adopted  to  prevent  the  introduc- 
tion of  the  tea  into  the  country,  so  as  to  avoid  the  payment  of 
the  duty;  and  such  was  the  strength  and  unanimity  of  public 
opinion,  that  without  the  aid  of  law,  or  rather  in  opposition 
to  law,  they  were  enabled  to  render  their  measures  efficient, 
solely  by  the  force  of  public  sentiment,  although  measures  of 
all  others  the  most  difficult  to  enforce,  as  interfering  both  with 
the  interests  and  the  established  habits  of  the  people.  In  most 
of  the  towns  from  New-Hampshire  to  Georgia,  the  people  as- 
sembled and  resolved  to  discontinue  the  use  of  tea,  which  was 
now  regarded  as  an  herb,  (however  agreeable  as  a  beverage,) 
noxious  to  the  political  constitution.     In  the  large  commercial 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  xxi 

towns,  regulations  were  adopted  to  prevent  the  landing  of  tea^ 
committees  were  appointed  to  inspect  merchant's  books,  pro- 
pose tests,  and  to  make  use  of  other  means  to  defeat  the  de- 
signs of  Britain.  Where  it  could  be  done,  the  consignees  of 
the  teas,  were  persuaded  or  compelled  to  resign,  or  to  bind 
themselves  not  to  act  in  that  capacity.  The  cargo  sent  to 
South-Carolina,  was  stored,  the  consignees  being  constrained 
to  enter  into  an  engagement  not  to  offer  any  for  sale;  and  in 
many  of  the  colonies,  the  ships  were  compelled  to  return  with- 
out discharging  their  cargoes.  So  vigorously  were  these  mea- 
sures enforced,  that  during  one  year,  eighty-five  pounds  was  the 
whole  amount  of  duties  received.  The  teas  consumed  in  the 
colonies,  were  principally  smuggled  into  the  country,  by  the 
Dutch  and  French,  who  were  favored  by  the  inhabitants  in 
evading  the  revenue  laws.  During  the  four  or  five  years  that 
the  new  system  had  been  in  existence,  very  trifling  quantities 
of  teas  had  been  introduced  into  the  colonies,  and  instead  of 
the  restrictive  measures  being  relaxed  as  was  expected  in  Eng- 
land, they  increased  in  vigor  and  efficacy,  and  the  quantity  of 
tea  introduced  had  constantly  diminished. 

As  had  been  the  case  with  other  matters,  of  difference  be- 
tween the  two  countries,  the  principal  struggle,  growing  out 
of  the  regulations  as  to  tea,  occurred  at  Boston.  The  other 
provinces  had  avoided  the  alternative  which  was  reserved  for 
this,  of  either  suffering  the  teas  to  be  disposed  of,  or  to  destroy 
them,  by  violent  means.  Knowing  the  spirit  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Boston,  the  India  Company  had  been  more  cautious  as  to  this 
cargoes  shipped  for  that  port,  than  those  sent  to  the  other  pro- 
vinces; and  the  zeal  of  Governor  Hutchinson  and  the  other  of- 
ficers of  the  crown  there,  greatly  surpassed  that  of  the  crown 
officers  in  the  other  colonies,  and  was  calculated  to  frustrate 
the  measures  of  the  inhabitants.  The  tea  ships  destined  to 
Boston,  were  all  consigned  to  the  sons,  cousins,  ar.d  persons  who 
were  the  merest  tools  of  Governor  Hutchinson.  When  called 
on  to  resign,  the  only  answer  they  would  give  was,  "  that  it 
was  not  in  their  power."  As  the  consignees  could  not  be  in- 
duced or  frightened  to  resign,  the  next  plan  was,  to  compel  the 


xxii  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

vessels  to  return  without  landing  their  detestable  cargoes;  but 
the  collector  refused  to  give  a  clearance  without  the  vessels 
were  discharged  of  dutiable  articles,  and  the  governor  refused 
to  give  a  pass  for  the  vessels,  until  they  were  properly  qualifi- 
ed from  the  custom  house;  and  to  guard  against  the  vessels 
being  taken  possession  of,  and  conducted  out  of  the  harbour, 
the  governor  ordered  Admiral  Montague,  who  commanded  the 
naval  force,  to  keep  a  vigilant  look  out,  and  to  suffer  no  vessel, 
coasters  excepted,  to  pass  the  fortress  from  the  town,  without  a 
pass  signed  by  himself.  The  rigorous  adherence  to  these  mea- 
sures, afforded  great  satisfaction  to  the  governor  and  his  min- 
ions, and  all  the  British  party;  they  flattered  themselves  that 
the  "  Sons  of  Liberty,"  after  all  their  clamor,  resolutions  and 
schemes  to  resist  the  tea  system,  were  out-managed,  and  that 
it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to  prevent  the  landing  and  sale 
of  the  obnoxious  cargoes.  Their  measures  had  been  planned 
so  wisely,  and  their  execution  was  entrusted  to  agents  of  such 
known  fidelity  to  the  crown,  and  who  were  under  the  immedi- 
ate influence  and  control  of  the  governor,  they  thought  there 
was  not  a  loop-hole  whereby  the  rebellious  Americans  could 
escape  paying  the  hateful  tax.  They  did  not  even  dream  that 
an  attempt  would  be  made  to  destroy  or  throw  overboard  the 
offensive  article,  which  covered  a  tribute  to  Britain;  for  if  they 
had,  the  vessels  would  have  been  guarded.  The  governor, 
after  all  he  had  witnessed  and  experienced,  judging  rather 
from  his  feelings  than  his  knowledge,  was  entirely  ignorant  of 
public  sentiment,  and  of  the  spirit  of  the  people;  he  had  no 
idea  that  they  had  determined  to  resist  the  obnoxious  measure, 
at  every  hazard,  even  that  of  life.  Nothing  short  of  this  bold 
step,  could  prevent  the  deep  laid  scheme,  against  the  liberties 
of  the  country  from  succeeding.  It  had  been  rendered  impos- 
sible that  the  vessels  should  return  with  their  cargoes;  and  to 
suffer  the  tea  to  be  landed  and  trust  to  the  spirit  and  unanimity 
of  the  inhabitants  not  to  purchase  it,  would  have  been  to  yield 
the  point;  for  a  small  portion  of  the  citizens  were  in  favor  of 
the  British,  and  would  of  course  consume  the  article,  and  by 
fair  means  or  foul,  it  would  have  been  distributed  among  others. 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.         XXlU 

And  it  would  have  been  equally  impracticable  to  prevent  the 
tea  from  being  landed;  the  most  unwearied  watching  day  and 
night,  could  not  prevent  this,  as  it  might  be  conveyed  ashore, 
by  small  quantities  in  boats  in  the  night  season,  and  at  such 
places  to  escape  the  utmost  vigilance.  Every  other  measure 
had  been  attempted  without  success;  the  consignees  had  been 
urged  to  decline  the  commission,  and  a  numerous  public  meet- 
ing of  the  citizens  had  been  held,  who  presented  a  remonstrance 
to  the  governor,  and  urged  him  to  order  back  the  ships  with- 
out suffering  any  part  of  their  cargoes  to  be  landed.  But  his 
answer  satisfied  them  that  he  was  the  adviser  of  the  measure) 
and  determined  to  carry  it  into  execution.  The  parties  were 
at  issue  on  the  great  question  on  which  the  liberties  of  the 
country  hung  suspended;  whether  Great  Britain  should  exer- 
cise the  power  of  taxing  the  Americans  in  any  way,  or  not. 
This  question  depended  on  the  landing  of  a  few  cargoes  of  tea, 
which  had  become  contaminated  with  an  unconstitutional  tax. 
The  colonists  were  determined  that  they  would  not  pay  the  tax, 
and  the  British  party  were  determined  to  carry  into  effect  the 
tea  regulation,  and  to  frustrate  the  plans  of  the  Americans. 
Both  parties  had  taken  their  measures,  and  the  British  party 
were  confident  of  success;  the  contest  was  advancing  to  a  cri- 
sis; alarm  and  dismay  prevailed;  the  deepest  anxiety  was  de- 
picted in  every  countenance ;  had  an  invading  army  been  in 
the  neighborhood,  threatening  to  sack  the  town,  or  had  the  pes- 
tilence which  walks  in  darkness,  ravaged  its  pavilions,  greater 
consternation  could  not  have  prevailed ;  greater  gloom  could 
not  overspread  the  town,  or  stronger  indications  been  exhibit- 
ed, of  a  pending  event  big  with  the  fate  of  three  millions  of 
people.  During  this  deep  and  awful  suspense,  a  report  was 
started,  which  spread  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning  through 
the  town,  that  Admiral  Montague  was  about  to  seize  the  ships 
and  dispose  of  their  cargoes,  at  public  auction,  within  twenty- 
four  hours;  which  was  believed  to  be  a  cunning  device  of 
Hutchinson,  as  this  would  as  effectually  have  secured  the  du- 
ties, as  if  the  teas  had  been  sold  at  the  stores  of  the  consignees. 
This  rumor  was  like  an  electric  shock;  leaving  their  employ 


xxiv  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

mcnts,  the  people  rushed  into  the  streets,  and  with  amazed  and 
terrified  countenances,  every  one  seemed  to  say,  what  shall  we 
do  to  prevent  the  consummation  in  so  bold  and  daring  a  man- 
ner, of  this  iniquitous  scheme.  In  a  few  moments,  as  if  from 
an  instinctive  impulse,  a  vast  crowd  repaired  to  one  of  the 
most  spacious  churches  in  Boston,  and  organised  themselves  in- 
to a  public  meeting.  Previously  to  taking  any  other  step,  a 
message  was  sent  to  the  governor  and  the  consignees,  who  with 
difficulty  could  be  found,  as  they  were  afraid  to  encounter 
eren  the  looks  of  an  indignant  and  injured  people.  No  satis- 
factory answers  were  returned;  hut  instead  of  complying  with 
their  wishes,  whilst  the  assembled  multitude  were  quietly,  not- 
withstanding the  excitement  which  prevailed,  consulting  on 
their  critical  situation,  and  the  measures  proper  to  be  adopted, 
the  sheriff  entered  with  an  order  from  the  governor,  styling 
them  an  illegal  and  seditious  assembly,  and  ordering  them  im- 
mediately to  disperse.  But  he  did  not  bring  with  him  the  pos- 
see  comitatus,  as  the  power  of  the  county  was  already  assembled, 
and  it  was  that,  the  sheriff  was  ordered  to  disperse:  this  man- 
date was  treated  with  deserved  contempt  and  the  sheriff  hissed 
out  of  the  house,  mortified  and  chagrined,  and  a  confused  mur- 
mur followed  not  only  in  the  house  but  among  the  vast  multi- 
tude without;  but  soon  order  was  restored,  and  the  meeting 
adjourned,  without  adopting  any  vote  or  resolution.  The  lea- 
ders probably  supposed  that  such  a  meeting  was  not  the  place 
to  discuss  and  devise  measures  to  meet  the  crisis. 

The  bold  measure  was  now  conceived,  and  immediately  pro- 1 
posed  for  execution,  which  surprised  and  agitated  the  twoj 
countries,  and  hurried  on  that  memorable  revolution  which 
made  them  "  Enemies  in  war,  and  in  peace  friends."  The  suc- 
cess of  it,  as  well  as  the  danger  attending  it,  required  secrecy 
and  dispatch.  It  has  never  been  known  with  certainty,  eithei 
who  contrived  or  executed  this  bold  expedient:  but  there  is  no 
reason  to  doubt,  but  that  Mr.  Samuel  Adams  and  many/of  the 
leaders  in  the  political  affairs  of  the  day,  were  i(s  contrivers, 
and  it  is  known  that  the  hall  of  council  was  in  the  back  room 
<of  Edes  &  Gill's  printing  office,  at  the  corner  of  the  alley  lead- 


WHICH  LED  TO  THF  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  XXV 

trig  from  Court-Street  to  Brattle-Street  Church.  It  is  a  sin- 
gular oircumstance,  that  this  daring  and  desperate  measure, 
for  the  maintenance  of  the  liberties  of  the  country,  should  have 
been  counselled  and  contrived  in  an  editorial  closet  of  a  news- 
paper, which  was  one  of  the  organs  of  the  public  voice,  and  a 
vigilant  sentinel  of  the  liberties  of  the  people.  Since  this  pe- 
riod many  political  schemes  have  originated,  in  the  "  back 
rooms"  of  printing  offices,  but  in  general  of  a  very  different 
character. 

In  a  few  hours  after  the  adjournment  of  the  public  meeting, 
the  bold  measure,  on  the  success  of  which  the  great  question 
of  taxation  hung  suspended,  was  contrived,  matured  and  ripelfi- 
ed  for  execution ;  and  the  public  were  surprised  with  the  sudden 
appearance  in  the  streets,  of  a  large  number  of  savages,  of 
persons  disguised,  clad,  and  every  way  counterfeiting  the  abo- 
rigines of  the  country;  armed  with  a  tomahawk  in  one  hand, 
and  a  club  over  the  shoulder,  who,  in  a  silent  and  solemn  man- 
ner, not  a  voice  being  heard,  marched  in  Indian  rile,  through 
the  streets  amidst  a  crowd  of  astonished  spectators,  who  knew 
not  what  to  think  of  so  unexpected  and  strange  an  exhibition ; 
and  its  novelty  and  the  surprise  which  it  occasioned,  may  have 
prevented  any  steps  being  taken  to  oppose  their  design.  The 
Indians,  whilst  strongly  attached  to  tobacco,  in  this  instance  at 
least  appeared  to  have  had  a  mortal  antipathy  to  tea;  and  as 
though  attracted  by  its  noxious  qualities,  they  proceeded  direct- 
ly towards  the  wharves  where  the  tea  ships  lay;  boarded  them, 
demanded  the  keys,  and  without  the  least  hesitation  or  delay 
knocked  open  the  chests  and  emptied  their  contents,  duties  and 
all  into  the  ocean,  comprising  several  thousand  weight  of  the 
finest  teas.  The  deed  was  done  in  the  face  of  the  world,  and 
although  surrounded  by  the  king's  ships,  no  opposition  was  made 
or  attempted ;  all  was  silence  and  amazement.  Thus  the  teas 
which  were  designed  as  a  means  of  extorting  tribute  from  the 
Americans,  became  an  offering  to  the  "spirits  of  the  vasty 
deep,"  and  a  sacrifice  to  the  liberties  of  the  country.  The 
"Indians"  having  effected  their  object,  shewed  no  marks  of 
triumph;  no  savage  warwhoop  was  heard;  nor  did  they  com- 
4 


XXVl  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

mit  any  other  violence  or  disorder,  but  in  the  same  silent, 
solemn  and  orderly  manner,  marched  back  through  the  town, 
followed  by  a  vast  crowd.  No  movements  on  the  part  of  the- 
government,  or  disturbance  by  the  people,  followed  this  event; 
and  it  was  observed  at  the  time,  that  the  stillest  night  succeed- 
ed, which  Boston  had  enjoyed  for  several  months. 

No  persons  assisted  the  savages,  in  the  destruction  of  the  tea, 
except  some  boys  or  young  men,  who  had  assembled  on  the  oc- 
casion, and  voluntarily  took  a  part  in  what  was  going  on;  one  of 
these  youths  collected  the  tea  which  fell  into  his  own  shoes  and 
those  of  several  of  his  companions,  put  it  in  a  phial  and  sealed 
it  up ;  which  is  now  in  his  possession,  containing  the  same  ob- 
noxious tea,  which  in  this  instance  was  considered  as  more  dan- 
gerous to  the  political  health  and  constitution  of  the  people, 
even  than  strong  drink.  The  number  of  the  savages  manu- 
factured for  the  occasion,  has  been  variously  estimated,  from 
sixty  to  eighty:  although  several  persons  have  been  mentioned 
as  among  the  number,  none  of  them  have  ever  been  known 
with  certainty;  there  are  many  and  obvious  reasons,  why  secre- 
cy then,  and  concealment  since,  were  necessary.  Not  any  of 
those  who  it  has  been  confidently  asserted  were  of  the  party, 
have  admitted  the  fact  except  some  of  the  boys.  Nearly  all 
of  the  disguised  persons  have  left  this  scene  of  strife,  and  their 
secret  has  died  with  them;  and  what  few  remain,  if  any,  will 
probably  be  as  prudent  as  those  who  have  gone  before  them, 
and  like  them  will  suffer  their  knowledge  to  be  buried  with 
them,  so  that  the  great  secret  will  shortly  be  beyond  the  reach 
of  human  research.  The  success  of  this  bold  and  daring  mea- 
sure, astonished  Governor  Hutchinson  and  the  British  party, 
and  seemed  to  convince  him,  that  the  "  Sons  of  Liberty"  were 
not  quite  so  contemptible  as  he  had  represented  them  in  his 
letters  to  the  ministry;  and  it  even  astonished  the  whigs,  in  the 
other  colonies,  and  contributed  to  fan  the  flames  of  liberty,  and 
give  them  a  deeper  glow,  and  more  intense  heat. 

When  the  intelligence  of  this  event  reached  England,  accom-. 
panied  with  all  the  exaggeration  and  colouring  which  Hutchin- 
son could  give  to  it,  it  produced  the  utmost  excitement,  and  in- 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  xxvii 

dignation  with  the  ministerial  party,  and  even  the  opponents  of 
the  American  revenue  system,  could  not  justify  so  rash  and 
desperate  a  measure.  Parliament  at  once  determined  to  crush 
the  devoted  town,  which  was  the  seat  and  cause  of  this  high 
handed  resistance  to  its  supremacy.  Its  omnipotent  power, 
and  all  the  terrors  of  its  wrath,  were  to  be  concentrated  and 
directed  against  this  rebellious  town.  A  bill  was  immediately 
introduced  to  "discontinue  the  landing  and  discharging,  landing 
and  shipping  of  goods,  wares  and  merchandise,  at  the  town  of 
Boston,  or  within  the  harbor."  This  bill,  called  the  "Boston 
Port  Bill,"  passed  on  the  25th  of  March,  1  774,  and  when  it  was 
known,  threw  the  inhabitants  into  the  utmost  consternation. — 
A  general  meeting  was  called,  and  spirited  resolution?  adopted, 
expressive,  in  strong  terms,  of  their  sense  of  the  oppressive- 
measure,  and  they  requested  all  the  colonies  to  unite  in  an  en 
gagement  to  discontinue  all  importations  from  Great  Britain, 
and  most  of  the  colonies  resolved  to  make  common  cause  with 
Massachusetts,  in  her  opposition  to  the  unconstitutional  mea 
sures,  of  parliament.  The  first  of  June,  when  the  port  bill 
was  to  go  into  operation,  was  appointed  to  be  kept  as  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer.  This  act  was  soon  followed  by  another, 
"for  the  better  regulating  government  in  the  province  of  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay;"  the  object  of  which,  was  to  alter  the  charter, 
so  as  to  make  the  judges  and  sheriffs  dependant  on  the  king, 
and  removeable  at  his  pleasure.  And  this  act  was  soon  suc- 
ceeded by  another,  which  provided,  that  any  persons  indicted 
for  murder,  or  other  capital  offence,  committed  in  aiding  the 
magistrates,  in  enforcing  the  laws,  might  be  sent  by  the  go- 
vernor either  to  any  other  colony,  or  to  Great  Britain  for 
his  trial.  The  Quebec  Bill  followed  in  rapid-  succession,  en- 
larging the  bounds  of  that  province,  and  conferring  many  privi- 
leges on  the  Roman  Catholics;  the  design  of  which  was  to  se- 
cure the  attachment  of  that  province,  and  prevent  its  joining 
with  the  colonies  in  their  measures  of  resistance.  These  mea- 
sures instead  of  intimidating  the  colonies  into  submission,  only 
confirmed  their  fears  of  the  settled  designs  of  Great  Britain  to 
deprive  them  of  their  chartered  rights,  and  reduce  the  colonies 


XXVlil  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

to  the  lowest  state  of  political  degradation  and  oppression. 
A  sense  of  common  danger  led  to  an  extensive  correspondence, 
which  resulted  in  the  opinion  that  it  was  expedient  to  convene  a 
general  congress,  to  consist  of  deputies  from  all  the  colonies. — 
This  congress  met  at  Philadelphia  on  the  5th  of  September, 
1774;  and  comprised  among  its  members,  some  of  the  most 
distinguished  patriots,  statesmen  and  orators  in  the  country,  or 
perhaps  in  any  other.  Notwithstanding  the  ferment  which 
prevailed  in  most  of  the  colonies,  their  proceedings  were  char- 
acterised by  coolness,  unanimity  and  firmness. 

They  published  a  long  and  solemn  declaration  of  rights,  as 
British  subjects,  and  maintained  in  the  strongest  terms,  their 
exemption  from  taxation  by  parliament;  besides  which,  they 
prepared  a  petition  to  the  king,  which  was  refused  to  be  an- 
swered; an  address  to  the  people  of  Great  Britain,  and  another 
to  the  people  of  America.  These  documents  were  drawn  up 
with  a  masterly  hand,  and  exhibited  great  dignity  and  ability, 
and  were  in  every  respect  worthy  of  the  men  who  had  confided 
to  them  the  liberties  of  their  country,  and  the  destinies  of  three 
millions  of  their  countrymen,  threatened  with  slavery. 

The  proceedings  of  congress  did  not  tend  to  allay  public 
feeling,  and  as  the  royal  agents  in  Massachusetts  seemed  deter- 
mined to  push  matters  to  extremities,  and  reduce  the  people  to 
unconditional  submission,  by  arbitrary  and  forcible  means, 
every  thing  now  wore  the  appearance  of  civil  war.  A  new 
council,  and  new  judges  were  appointed  by  the  crown;  and  the 
latter  attempted  to  enter  upon  the  execution  of  their  offices; 
but  the  juries  refused  to  be  sworn  under  them;  the  people  in 
some  counties  assembled  to  prevent  their  proceedings,  and  in 
Berkshire  succeeded,  thus  setting  an  example,  which  was  after- 
wards followed  by  Shay's  men,  in  violation  of  the  laws  of  the 
state.  About  this  time  the  famous  "Tree  of  Liberty,"  in  Bos- 
ton, which  had  been  pruned  and  ornamented  with  so  much 
pride  and  care,  "  fell  a  victim  to  British  vengeancef  or  to  some 
individual  to  whom  its  shade  had  become  offensive." 

Previously  to  this  period,  General  Gage  had  succeeded 
Hutchinson  as  Governor  of  Massachusetts;  and,  apprehending 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  xxix 

danger  from  a  general  muster  of  the  militia,  he  caused  the 
magazines  and  amunition  at  Charlestown  and  Cambridge,  to 
be  removed  to  Boston,  and  fortified  the  neck  of  land  which  joins 
Boston  to  the  main  land,  at  Roxbury.  These  measures  occa- 
sioned an  universal  panic;  delegates  from  all  the  towns  in  the 
county  of  Suffolk  met,  and  spirited  resolutions,  and  a  remon- 
strance to  the  governor,  were  adopted.  The  general  assem- 
bly had  been  summoned  to  meet  at  Salem;  but  from  the  tur- 
bulence of  the  times,  the  governor  issued  his  proclamation, 
countermanding  their  meeting;  yet,  in  defiance  of  the  govern- 
or's mandate,  ninety  members  met,  resolved  themselves  into  a 
provincial  congress,  chose  Mr.  Hancock  president,  and  adjourn- 
ed to  Concord,  nineteen  miles  from  Boston.  They  fearlessly 
proceeded  to  business;  after  addressing  the  governor,  and 
reiterating  their  grievances;  in  the  face  of  British  law  and 
British  troops,  they  proceeded  to  adopt  the  first  measures, 
which  were  taken,  directly  and  avowedly  preparatory  to  an 
appeal  to  the  sword,  in  defence  of  their  rights  and  liberties; 
they  regulated  the  militia,  made  provisions  for  furnishing  the 
people  with  arms,  and  for  supplying  the  treasury;  and  such 
was  the  enthusiasm  of  the  people,  that  their  recommendations 
had  the  force  of  law.  Governor  Gage  was  filled  with  rage  at 
these  daring  proceedings,  and  issued  a  proclamation,  in  which 
he  insinuated  that  they  amounted  to  rebellion. 

Early  in  1775,  parliament  passed  the  fishery  bills,  which  pro- 
hibited the  colonies  from  trading  in  fish  with  Great  Britain, 
Ireland  and  the  West  Indies,  and  from  taking  fish  on  the  banks 
of  Newfoundland.  These  acts  were  intended  to  operate  on 
the  town  of  Boston,  which  had  become  the  devoted  object  of 
ministerial  wrath.  The  various  statutes,  which  were  passed, 
occasioned  deep  and  general  distress  in  Boston  and  its  vicinity; 
but  their  brethren  in  the  other  colonies  sympathised  with  them, 
and  promptly  supplied  them  with  provisions  of  every  descrip- 
tion for  the  relief  of  the  sufferers. 

This  policy  of  the  British  government  was  not  only  oppres- 
sive, but  mean  and  contemptible.  Partial  legislation  is  always 
odious  and  tyrannical;  yet  it  consisted  with  the  justice  and  dig- 


XXX  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES 

nity  of  the  British  nation;  and  a  series  of  acts  were  passed, - 
and  the  power  of  the  nation  exerted,  to  crush  the  town  of  Bos- 
ton, because  it  had  shewn  a  more  determined  spirit  of  resist- 
ance to  their  oppressive  and  unconstitutional  measures  than 
had  appeared  in  other  places.  The  ministry  were  not  sens- 
ible that  the  colonies  considered  themselves  all  engaged  in  a 
common  cause;  they  were  in  hopes  to  humble  and  crush  the 
rebellious  inhabitants  of  that  devoted  town,  which  they  thought 
would  be  such  a  terrific  example  as  would  frighten  all  the  colo- 
nies into  submission.  But  their  wicked  designs  recoiled  on  the 
heads  of  their  authors;  for  these  oppressive  measures  towards 
the  Bostonians,  only  served  to  exasperate  the  people  through- 
out all  the  colonies,  who  regarded  them  as  cruel  and  detestable. 

In  March,  1775,  the  public  indignation  was  greatly  excited 
by  the  following  base  and  most  shameful  transactions: — 

"  The  people  from  the  country,  whose  business  called  them 
into  Boston,  were  suspected  by  the  officers  of  purchasing  guns 
from  their  soldiers.  In  order  to  furnish  an  opportunity  to  inflict 
punishment,  and  to  raise  occasion  for  a  serious  quarrel,  Lieute- 
nant-Colonel Nesbit,  of  the  forty-seventh  regiment,  ordered  a 
soldier  to  offer  a  countryman  an  old  rusty  musket.  A  man  from 
Billerica  was  caught  by  this  bait,  and  purchased  the  gun  for  three 
dollars.  The  unfortunate  man  was  immediately  seized  by 
Nesbit  and  confined  in  the  guard  house  all  night.  Early  next 
morning  they  stripped  him  entirely  naked,  covered  him  over 
with  warm  tar,  and  then  with  feathers,  placed  him  on  a  cart  and 
conducted  him  through  the  streets  as  far  as  liberty-tree,  where 
the  people  began  to  collect  in  vast  numbers,  and  the  military, 
fearing  for  their  own  safety,  dismissed  the  man,  and  retreated  to 
their  barracks.  The  party  consisted  of  about  thirty  grenadiers, 
with  fixed  bayonets,  twenty  drums  and  fifes  playing  the  rogue's 
march,  headed  by  the  redoubtable  Nesbit  with  a  drawn  sword ! 
What  an  honorable  deed  for  a  British  field  officer  and  grena- 
diers! The  selectmen  of  Billerica  remonstrated  with  General 
Gage  respecting  this  outrage,  but  obtained  no  satisfaction."  * 

"'  Thacher's  Military  Journal. 


WHICH  LED  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  XXXl 

It  was  about  this  time  that  the  following  ludicrous  occurrence 
took  place: — 

"Some  British  officers,  soon  after  Gage's  arrival  in  Boston, 
Walking  on  Beacon  Hill,  after  sunset,  were  affrighted  by  noises 
in  the  air,  (supposed  to  be  flying  bugs  and  beetles,)  which  they 
took  to  be  the  sound  of  bullets.  They  left  the  hill  with  great 
precipitation,  spread  the  alarm  in  their  encampment,  and  wrote 
terrible  accounts  to  England  of  being  shot  at  with  air-guns,  as 
appeared  by  their  letters,  extracts  of  which  were  soon  after  pub- 
lished in  London  papers.  Indeed,  for  some  time  they  really 
believed  that  the  Americans  were  possessed  of  a  kind  of  magic 
white  powder,  which  exploded  and  killed  without  a  report."  In 
that  much  celebrated  and  admirable  poem  of  the  day,  M'Fingal, 
the  circumstance  is  thus  satirized: 

"  No  more  the  British  colonel  runs 

From  whizzing  beetles  as  air  guns  ; 

Thinks  hornbugs,  bullets,  or  through  fear, 

Musketoes  takes  for  musketeers; 

Nor  'scapes,  as  if  you'd  gaiu'd  supplies 

From  Beelzebub's  whole  host  of  flies, 

No  bug  these  warlike  hearts  appals, 

They  better  know  the  sound  of  balls." 

The  breach  between  Britain  and  the  colonies  had  now  be- 
come so  wide,  as  with  the  mass  of  the  people,  nearly  to  exclude 
all  ideas  of  conciliation ;  and  both  parties  began  to  make  prepa- 
rations for  an  appeal  to  the  sword.  No  alternative  was  left  the 
Americans  but  slavery,  or  resistance  by  force;  measures  were 
adopted  for  training  the  militia  to  the  use  of  arms,  to  encourage 
the  manufacture  of  gun-powder,  and  for  collecting  all  kinds  of 
military  stores ;  and  committees  of  public  safety  were  appointed 
in  all  the  towns  in  the  province.  The  British  government  sent 
out  a  re-inforcement  of  troops  to  Boston,  and  in  the  mean  time 
General  Gage  attempted  to  counteract  the  designs  and  measures 
of  the  provincials,  and  particularly  to  seize  or  destroy  their  mili- 
tary stores,  and  thus  to  deprive  them  of  the  means  of  resistance. 
To  destroy  the  military  stores  at  Concord,  General  Gage  des- 
patched in  a  secret  manner,  a  regiment  of  grenadiers,  who 
undertook  to  disperse,  and  fired  upon  a  party  of  militia  at  Lex- 


XXxii  A  SUMMARY  VIEW  OF  THE  CAUSES,  ETC. 

ington,  several  of  whom  were  killed,  which  was  the  first  blood 
spilt  in  that  memorable  war  and  revolution,  that  separated 
Great  Britain  and  America  forever;  and  gave  to  the  latter  not 
only  a  rank  among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  but  what  only  can . 
exalt  a  nation — liberty  and  free  institutions,  which  are  the  du- 
rable foundations  of  its  glory  and  rising  prosperity;  its  tran- 
quility and  happiness,  its  increasing  population  and  wealth,  the 
rapidity  of  which  is  unexampled  in  the  annals  of  the  world. 


THE 

AMERICAN  MILITARY  BIOGRAPHY, 

OF    THE 

OFFICERS  OF  THE  REVOLUTION. 


ETHAN   ALLEN. 

Brigadier  General  in  the  American  Arm} . 

General  Allen  was  bora  in  Salisbury,  Conn,  from  whence, 
while  he  was  yet  young,  his  parents  emigrated  to  Vermont. 
By  this  circumstance,  he  was  deprived  of  the  advantages  of  an 
early  education.  But,  although  he  never  felt  its  genial  influ- 
ence, nature  had  endowed  him  with  strong  powers  of  mind; 
and  when  called  to  take  the  field,  he  showed  himself  an  able 
leader,  and  an  intrepid  soldier. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  disturbances  in  Vermont,  about 
the  year  1770,  he  took  a  most  active  part  in  favor  of  the  Green 
Mountain  Boys,  as  the  settlers  were  then  called,  in  opposition 
to  the  government  of  New- York.  Bold,  enterprising,  and  am- 
bitious, he  undertook  to  direct  the  proceedings  of  the  inhabit- 
ants, and  wrote  several  pamphlets  to  display  the  supposed 
injustice,  and  oppressive  designs  of  the  New-York  proceedings. 
The  uncultivated  roughness  of  his  own  temper  and  manners, 
seems  to  have  assisted  him  in  giving  a  just  description  of  the 
views  and  proceedings  of  speculating  land-jobbers.  His  writ- 
ings produced  effects  so  hostile  to  the  views  of  the  state  of 
New- York,  that  an  act  of  outlawry  was  passed  against  him,  and 
five  hundred  guineas  were  offered  for  his  apprehension.  But 
his  party  was  too  numerous  and  faithful  to  permit  him  to  be 
5 


34  ETHAN  ALLEN. 

disturbed  by  any  apprehensions  for  his  safety.  In  all  the  strug 
gles  of  the  day  he  was  successful,  and  proved  a  valuable  friend 
to  those  whose  cause  he  had  espoused. 

The  news  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  determined  Allen  to 
engage  on  the  side  of  his  country,  and  inspired  him  with  the 
desire  of  demonstrating  his  attachment  to  liberty,  by  some  bold 
exploit.  While  in  this  state  of  mind,  a  plan  for  taking  Ticon- 
deroga  and  Crown  Point,  by  surprise,  which  was  formed  by 
several  gentlemen  in  Connecticut,  was  communicated  to  him, 
and  he  readily  engaged  in  the  project.  Receiving  directions 
from  the  General  assembly  of  Connecticut,  to  raise  the  Green 
Mountain  Boys,  and  conduct  the  enterprise,  he  collected  230 
of  the  hardy  settlers,  and  proceeded  to  Castle  ton.  Here  he 
was  unexpectedly  joined  by  Colonel  Arnold,  who  had  been 
commissioned  by  the  Massachusetts  committee  to  raise  400 
men,  and  effect  the  same  object  which  was  now  about  to  be 
accomplished.  They  reached  the  lake  opposite  Ticonderoga, 
on  the  evening  of  the  9th  of  May,  1775.  With  the  utmost 
difficulty  boats  were  procured,  and  eighty-three  men  were  land- 
ed near  the  garrison.  Arnold  now  wished  to  assume  the  com- 
mand, to  lead  on  the  men,  and  swore  that  he  would  go  in  him- 
self the  first.  Allen  swore  that  he  should  not.  The  dispute 
beginning  to  run  high,  some  of  the  gentlemen  present  inter- 
posed, and  it  was  agreed  that  both  should  go  in  together,  Allen 
on  the  right  hand,  and  Arnold  on  the  left.  The  following  is 
Allen's  own  account  of  the  affair: — 

"  The  first  systematical  and  bloody  attempt  at  Lexington,  to 
enslave  America,  thoroughly  electrified  my  mind,  and  fully 
determined  me  to  take  a  part  with  my  country.  And  while  1 
was  wishing  for  an  opportunity  to  signalize  myself  in  its  be- 
half, directions  were  privately  sent  to  me  from  the  then  colony, 
now  state  of  Connecticut,  to  raise  the  Green  Mountain  Boys, 
and  if  possible  with  them  to  surprise  and  take  the  fortress  of 
Ticonderoga.  This  enterprise  I  cheerfully  undertook;  and 
after  first  guarding  all  the  several  passes  that  lead  thither,  to 
cut  off  all  intelligence  between  the  garrison  and  the  country, 
made  a  forced  march  from  Bennington,  and  arrived  at  the  lake 


ETHAN  ALLEN.  35 

opposite  Ticonderoga,  on  the  evening  of  the  9th  of  May,  1775, 
with  two  hundred  and  thirty  valiant  Green  Mountain  Boys;  and 
it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  that  I  procured  boats  to  cross 
the  lake.  However,  I  landed  eighty-three  men  near  the  gar- 
rison, and  sent  the  boats  back  for  the  rear  guard,  commanded 
by  Col.  Seth  Warner;  but  the  day  began  to  dawn,  and  I  found 
myself  necessitated  to  attack  the  fort,  before  the  rear  could 
cross  the  lake;  and  as  it  was  viewed  hazardous,  I  harangued 
the  officers  and  soldiers  in  the  manner  following:  'Friends  and 
fellow-soldiers ;  You  have,  for  a  number  of  years  past,  been  a 
scourge  and  terror  to  arbitrary  powers.  Your  valour  has  been 
famed  abroad,  and  acknowledged,  as  appears  by  the  advice  .and 
orders  to  me  from  the  general  assembly  of  Connecticut,  to  sur- 
prise and  take  the  garrison  now  before  us.  I  now  propose  to 
advance  before  you,  and  in  person  conduct  you  through  the 
wicket  gate;  for  we  must  this  morning  either  quit  our  preten- 
sions to  valour,  or  possess  ourselves  of  this  fortress  in  a  few 
minutes;  and  inasmuch  as  it  is  a  desperate  attempt,  which  none 
but  the  bravest  of  men  dare  undertake,  I  do  not  urge  it  on  any 
contrary  to  his  will.  You  that  will  undertake  voluntarily,  poise 
your  firelock.' 

"The  men  being  at  this  time  drawn  up  in  three  ranks,  each 
poised  his  firelock.  I  ordered  them  to  face  to  the  right;  and 
at  the  head  of  the  centre  file  I  marched  them  immediately  to 
the  wicket  gate  aforesaid,  where  I  found  a  sentry  posted,  who 
instantly  snapped  his  fusee  at  me.  I  ran  immediately  towards 
him,  and  he  retreated  through  the  covered  way  into  the  parade 
within  the  garrison,  gave  a  halloo,  and  ran  under  a  bombproof. 
My  party  who  followed  me  into  the  fort,  I  formed  on  the  parade 
in  such  a  manner,  as  to  face  the  barracks,  which  faced  each 
other.  The  garrison  being  asleep,  except  the  sentries,  we  gave 
three  huzzas,  which  greatly  surprised  them.  One  of  the  sen- 
tries made  a  pass  at  one  of  my  officers  with  a  charged  bayo- 
net, and  slightly  wounded  him.  My  first  thought  was  to  kill 
him  with  my  sword,  but  in  an  instant  I  altered  the  design  and 
fury  of  the  blow  to  a  slight  cut  on  the  side  of  the  head;  upon 
which  he  dropped  his  gun  and  asked  quarters,  which  I  readily 


•tt>  ETHAN  ALLEN. 

granted  him;  and  demanded  the  place  where  the  commanding 
officer  kept.  He  showed  me  a  pair  of  stairs  in  the  front  of  the 
garrison,  which  led  up  to  a  second  story  in  said  barracks,  to 
which  I  immediately  repaired,  and  ordered  the  command  tr, 
Captain  Delaplace,  to  come  forth  instantly,  or  I  would  sacrifice 
the  whole  garrison:  At  which  time  the  captain  came  immedi- 
ately to  the  door,  with  his  breeches  in  his  hand,  when  I  ordered 
him  to  deliver  to  mc  the  fort  instantly;  he  asked  me  by  what 
authority  I  demanded  it.  I  answered  him, '  In  the  name  of  the 
great  Jehovah  and  the  Continental  Congress.'  The  authority 
of  congress  being  very  little  known  at  that  time,  he  began  to 
speak  again,  but  I  interrupted  him,  and  with  my  drawn  sword 
near  his  head  again  demanded  an  immediate  surrender  of  the 
garrison;  with  which  he  then  complied,  and  ordered  his  men 
to  be  forthwith  paraded  without  arms,  as  he  had  given  up  the 
garrison.  In  the  mean  time,  some  of  my  officers  had  given 
orders,  and  in  consequence  thereof,  sundry  of  the  barrack  doors 
were  beat  down,  and  about  one  third  of  the  garrison  imprison- 
ed, which  consisted  of  said  commander,  a  lieutenant  Feltham, 
a  conductor  of  artillery,  a  gunner,  two  sergeants,  and  forty- 
four  rank  and  file;  about  one  hundred  pieces  of  cannon,  one 
thirteen  inch  mortar,  and  a  number  of  swivels.  This  surprise 
was  carried  into  execution  in  the  gray  of  the  morning  of  the 
10th  of  May,  1775.  The  sun  seemed  to  rise  that  morning 
with  a  superior  lustre;  and  Ticonderoga  and  its  dependencies 
smiled  on  its  conquerors,  who  tossed  about  the  flowing  bowl, 
and  wished  success  to  Congress,  and  the*  liberty  and  freedom 
of  America.  Happy  it  was  for  me,  at  that  time,  that  the 
future  pages  of  the  book  of  fate,  which  afterward  unfolded  a 
miserable  scene  of  two  years  and  eight  months  imprisonment, 
were  hid  from  my  view/' 

This  brilliant  exploit  secured  to  Allen  a  high  reputation  for 
intrepid  valour  throughout  the  country.  In  the  fall  of  1775,  he 
was  sent  twice  into  Canada  to  observe  the  dispositions  of  the  peo- 
ple, and  attach  them  if  possible  to  the  American  cause.  Du- 
ring one  of  these  excursions  he  made  a  rash  and  romantic  at- 
tempt upon  Montreal.     He  had  been  sent  by  General  Montr 


ETHAN  ALLEN.  37 

gomery  with  a  guard  of  eighty  men  on  a  tour  into  the  villages 
in  the  neighbourhood.  On  his  return  he  was*met  by  a  Major 
Brown,  who  had  been  on  the  same  business.  It  was  agreed 
between  them  to  make  a  descent  upon  the  island  of  Montreal. 
Allen  was  to  cross  the  river,  and  land  with  his  pi:tv  a  little 
north  of  the  city;  while  Brown  was  to  pass  over  a  little  to  the 
south,  with  near  200  men.  Allen  crossed  the  river  in  the 
night  as  had  been  proposed,  but  by  some  means  Brown  and  his 
party  failed.  Instead  of  returning,  Allen,  with  great  rashness, 
concluded  to  maintain  his  ground.  General  Carlton  soon  re- 
ceived intelligence  of  Allen's  situation  and  the  smallness  of  his 
numbers,  and  marched  out  against  him  with  about  40  regulars 
and  a  considerable  number  of  English,  Canadians,  and  Indians* 
amounting,  in  the  whole,  to  some  hundreds.  Allen  attempted 
to  defend  himself,  but  it  was  to  no  purpose.  Being  deserted 
by  several  of  his  men,  and  having  fifteen  killed,  he,  with  thirty- 
eight  of  his  men,  were  taken  prisoners. 

He  was  now  kept  for  some  time  in  irons,  and  was  treated 
with  the  most  rigorous  and  unsparing  cruelty.  From  his  nar- 
rative it  appears  that  the  irons  placed  on  him  were  uncommon- 
ly heavy,  and  so  fastened,  that  he  could  not  lie  down,  other- 
wise than  on  his  back.  A  chest  was  his  seat  by  day,  and  bis 
bed  by  night.  Soon  after  his  capture,  still  loaded  with  irons, 
he  was  sent  to  England,  being  assured  that  the  halter  would 
be  the  reward  of  his  rebellion  when  he  arrived  there.  Find- 
ing that  threats  and  menaces  had  no  effect  upon  him,  high  com- 
mand and  a  large  tract  of  the  conquered  country  was  after- 
ward offered  him,  on  condition  he  would  join  the  British.  To 
the  last  he  replied,  "  that  he  viewed  their  offer  of  conquered 
United  States  land,  to  be  similar  to  that  which  the  devil  offered 
to  Jesus  Christ:  to  give  him  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  woild,  if 
he  would  fall  down  and  worship  him,  when,  at  the  same  time, 
the  poor  devil  had  not  one  foot  of  land  upon  earth." 

After  his  arrival,  about  the  middle  of  December,  he  was  lodg- 
ed,  for  a  short  time,  in  Pendennis  Castle,  near  Falmouth.  On 
the  8th  of  January,  1776,  he  was  put  on  board  a  frigate,  and 
by  a  circuitous  route  again  carried  to  Halifax.     Here  he  re- 


38  ETHAN  ALLEN. 

mained  closely  confined  in  the  jail  from  June  to  October,  when 
he  was  removed  to  New- York.  D  iring  the  passage  to  this 
place,  captain  Burke,  a  daring  prisoner,  proposed  to  kill  the 
British  captain,  and  seize  the  frigate;  but  Allen  refused  to 
engage  in  the  plot,  and  was  probably  the  means  of  saving  the 
life  of  captain  Smith,  who  had  treated  him  with  kindness.  He 
was  kept  at  New- York  about  a  year  and  a  half,  sometimes 
imprisoned,  and  sometimes  permitted  to  be  on  parole.  While 
here  he  had  an  opportunity  to  observe  the  inhuman  manner  in 
which  the  American  prisoners  were  treated.  In  one  of  the 
churches  in  which  they  were  crowded,  he  saw  seven  lying  dead 
at  one  time,  and  others  biting  pieces  of  chips  from  hunger. — 
He  calculated,  that  of  the  prisoners  taken  on  Long-Island  and 
at  Fort  Washington,  near  2000  perished  by  hunger  and  cold, 
or  in  consequence  of  diseases  occasioned  by  the  impurity  of 
their  prisons. 

Col.  Allen  was  exchanged  for  a  Col.  Campbell,  May  6th, 
1778,  and  after  having  repaired  to  head  quarters,  and  offered 
his  services  to  General  Washington,  in  case  his  health  should 
be  restored,  he  returned  to  Vermont.  His  arrival  on  the  eve- 
ning of  the  last  day  of  May,  gave  his  friends  great  joy,  and  it 
was  announced  by  the  discharge  of  cannon.  As  an  expression 
of  confidence  in  his  patriotism  and  military  talents,  he  was 
very  soon  appointed  to  the' command  of  the  state  militia.  His 
intrepidity,  however,  was  never  again  brought  to  the  test, 
though  his  patriotism  was  tried  by  an  unsuccessful  attempt  of 
the  British  to  bribe  him  to  attempt  a  union  of  Vermont  with 
Canada.     He  died  suddenly  on  his  estate,  February  1 3th,  1 789. 

Gen.  Allen  was  brave,  humane,  and  generous;  yet  his  con- 
duct does  not  seem  to  have  been  much  influenced  by  consider- 
ations respecting  that  holy  and  merciful  Being,  whose  charac- 
ter and  whose  commands  are  disclosed  to  us  in  the  Scriptures. 
His  notions  with  regard  to  religion  were  loose  and  absurd.  He 
believed  with  Pythagoras,  the  heathen  philosopher,  that  man, 
after  death,  would  transmigrate  into  beasts,  birds,  fishes,  rep- 
tiles, &c.  and  often  informed  his  friends  that  he  himself  expect- 
ed to  live  again  in  the  form  of  a  large  white  horse. 


(39) 

WILLIAM   ALEXANDER, 

Major  General  in  the  American  Army. 

General  Alexander,  commonly  called  Lord  Stirling,  was  a 
native  of  the  city  of  New-York.  He  was  considered,  by  many, 
as  the  rightful  heir  to  the  title  and  estate  of  an  earldom  in 
Scotland,  of  which  country  his  father  was  a  native ;  and  al- 
though when  he  went  to  North  Britain  in  pursuit  of  this  inhe- 
ritance, he  failed  of  obtaining  an  acknowledgment  of  hi?  claim 
by  government,  yet,  among  his  friends  and  acquaintances,  he 
received,  by  courtesy,  the  title  of  Lord  Stirling.  In  his  youth 
his  labours  were  arduous  in  the  pursuit  of  science,  and  he  dis- 
covered an  early  fondness  for  the  study  of  mathematics  and 
astronomy,  in  which  he  attained  great  eminence. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary  war,  he  attached 
himself  to  the  cause  of  America,  and  entered  the  field  against 
her  enemies.  He  was  a  brave,  discerning,  and  intrepid  officer. 
In  the  battle  on  Long-Island,  August  27th,  1776,  he  shared 
largely  in  the  glory  and  disasters  of  the  day.  The  part  he 
bore  in  that  engagement  is  described  as  follows; — "The  fire 
towards  Brooklyn  gave  the  first  intimation  to  the  American 
right  that  the  enemy  had  gained  their  rear.  Lord  Stirling, 
perceiving  the  danger  with  which  he  was  threatened,  and  that 
he  could  only  escape  it  by  instantly  retreating  across  the  creek, 
by  the  Yellow  Mills,  not  far  from  the  cove,  orders  to  this  effect 
were  immediately  given,  and  the  more  effectually  to  secure 
the  retreat  of  the  main  body  of  the  detachment,  he  determin- 
ed to  attack,  in  person,  a  corps  of  the  British,  under  Lord  Corn- 
wallis,  stationed  at  a  house  somewhat  above  the  place  at  which 
he  proposed  crossing  the  creek.  About  four  hundred  men 
were  chosen  out  for  this  purpose;  and  the  attack  was  made 
with  great  spirit.  This  small  corps  was  brought  up  to  the 
charge  several  times,  and  Lord  Stirling  stated  that  he  was  on 
the  point  of  dislodging  Lord  Cornwallis  from  this  post:  but  the 
force  in  his  front  increasing,  and  General  Grant  also  advancing 
on  his  rear,  the  brave  men  he  commanded  were  no  longer  abb 


40  DANIEL  BOONE. 

to  oppose  the  superior  numbers  which  assailed  them  on  every 
quarter,  ai:d  those  who  survived  were,  with  their  general, 
made  prisoners  of  war.  This  bold  and  well  judged  attempt, 
though  unsuccessful,  was  productive  of  great  advantages.  It 
gave  an  opportunity  to  a  large  part  of  the  detachment,  to  save 
themselves  by  crossing  the  creek. 

Immediately  after  his  exchange,  Lord  Stirling  joined  the 
arm}f  under  the  immediate  command  of  General  Washington. 
In  the  baUle  of  Germantown,  his  division,  and  the  brigade  of 
Generals  Nash  and  Maxwell,  formed  the  corps  of  reserve.  At 
the  battle  of  Mor.mouth,  he  commanded  the  left;  wing  of  the  Ame- 
rican army.  At  an  important  period  of  the  engagement,  he 
brought  up  a  detachment  of  artillery,  commanded  by  Lieute- 
nant-Colonel Carrington,  with  some  field  pieces,  which  played 
with  great  effect  on  the  enemy,  who  were  pressing  on  to  the 
charge.  These  pieces,  with  the  aid  of  several  parties  of  in- 
fantry, detached  for  the  purpose,. effectually  put  a  stop  to  their 
advance.  The  American  artillery  maintained  their  ground 
with  admirable  firmness,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  British 
field  artillery. 

His  attachment  to  Washington  was  proved  in  the  latter  part 
of  1777,  by  transmitting  to  him  an  account  of  the  disaffection 
of  General  Conway  to  the  Commander-in-Chief.  In  the  let- 
ter he  said,  "  such  wicked  duplicity  of  conduct  I  shall  always 
think  it  my  duty  to  detect." 

He  died  at  Albany,  January  15th,  1783,  aged  57  years. 


DANIEL    BOONE, 

The  first  SettJer  of  Kentucky. 

The  merit  of  opposing  the  hostile  attacks  of  men  regardless 
of  every  law  of  honour  and  humanity;  counteracting  the  trea- 
cherous machinations  of  barbarians,  who  conceive  an  advantage 
can  never  be  unjustly  gained;  and  bearing  up  against  continu- 
al party  skirmishes,  and  uninterrupted  harassments,  in  a  contest 
for  the  unenclosed  and  unfrequented  plains  of  nature,  evident- 


DANIEL  BOONE.  41 

ly  deserve  commemoration.  The  general  intrusted  with  the 
chief  command  of  an  army,  who  earns  his  fame  by  the  capture 
of  a  troop,  reduction  of  a  town,  province,  or  country,  is  stimu- 
lated by  the  fame,  the  natural  consequence  of  his  actions;  and 
sees  the  speedy  end  of  the  contest;  but  the  former  expects  no 
epic  muse  to  sing  his  worthy  actions;  though  his  valour  is  equal- 
ly tried,  or  rather  teazed,  by  the  continual  and  petty  insults  of 
the  disorganized  and  detached  foe.  To  his  courage  he  must 
add  that  persevering  integrity  which  years  of  uninterrupted 
assaults  cannot  subdue.  If  personal  bravery,  united  with  dis- 
interested zeal  for  the  good  of  that  community  of  which  he 
was  a  member,  merit  our  notice,  Daniel  Boone  should  not  be 
passed  over  in  silence.  Though  not  designed  by  fortune  to 
display  those  talents  which  in  an  important  campaign  between 
the  civilized  powers  of  Europe,  would  have  enrolled  his  name 
in  the  list  of  worthies;  yet  fortunately  for  the  cause  of  virtue, 
and  the  just  success  of  his  fame,  his  labours  are  not  consigned 
to  oblivion;  but  unlike  some  of  those  beauteous  productions  of 
nature  in  the  lonely  theatre  of  his  actions,  "born  to  waste  their 
sweetness  on  the  desert  air,"  were  by  their  author  plucked 
from  their  native  soil,  and  presented  to  his  friends. 

Daniel  Boone  was  born,  as  we  are  informed,  near  Bridge- 
north,  in  Somersetshire,  (England,)  about  the  year  1730. — 
While  he  was  young,  his  parents  emigrated  to  America,  and 
settled  in  North-Carolina,  where  he  was  bred  to  the  profession 
of  arms,  and  was  very  early  retained  in  the  service  of  that 
country  on  the  part  of  the  English  government.  He  passed 
through  all  the  inferior  gradations  to  the  post  of  colonel,  in 
which  capacity  he  distinguished  himself  as  the  most  active, 
zealous,  and  useful  of  the  original  settlers  of  Kentucky.  It 
was  his  frequent  combats  with  the  Indians  on  that  occasion, 
during  the  period  of  thirteen  years,  which  render  him  the  ob- 
ject of  this  memoir.  The  particulars  of  his  campaigns,  if  they 
deserve  that  name,  will  be  read  with  more  pleasure  as  left  us 
by  himself,  where,  though  devoid  of  art,  and  the  ornaments  a 
qualified  biographer  might  have  furnished,  there  may  be  seen 
6 


42  DANIEL  BOONE. 

the  stamp  of  unexaggerated  authenticity,  and  lively  feelings  of 
the  patriot,  citizen,  parent,  and  friend. 

"It  was  on  the  first  of  May,  1769,  that  I  resigned  my  domes- 
tic happiness,  and  left  my  family  and  peaceful  habitation  on 
the  Yadkin  River,  in  North-Carolina,  to  wander  through  the 
wilderness  of  America,  in  quest  of  the  country  of  Kentucky, 
in  company  with  John  Finley,  John  Stuart,  Joseph  Holden, 
James  Money,  and  William  Cool.  On  the  seventh  of  June, 
after  travelling  through  a  mountainous  wilderness,  in  a  west- 
ern direction,  we  found  ourselves  on  Red  River,  where  John 
Finley  had  formerly  been  trading  with  the  Indians;  and  from 
the  top  of  an  eminence  saw  with  pleasure,  the  beautiful  level 
of  Kentucky.  For  some  time  we  had  experienced  the  most 
uncomfortable  weather.  We  now  encamped,  made  a  shelter 
to  defend  us  from  the  inclement  season,  and  began  to  hunt 
and  reconnoitre  the  country.  We  found  abundance  of  wild 
beasts  in  this  vast  forest.  The  buffaloes  were  more  numerous 
than  cattle  on  other  settlements,  browsing  upon  the  leaves  of 
the  cane,  or  cropping  the  herbage  of  these  extensive  plains. 
We  saw  hundreds  in  a  drove,  and  the  numbers  about  the  salt 
springs  were  amazing.  In  this  forest,  the  habitation  of  beasts 
of  every  American  kind,  we  hunted  with  success  until  Decem- 
ber. On  the  22d  of  December,  John  Stuart  and  I  had  a  plea- 
sing ramble;  but  fortune  changed  the  day  at  the  close  of  it. 
We  had  passed  through  a  great  forest,  in  which  stood  myriads 
of  trees,  some  gay  with  blossoms,  others  rich  with  fruits.  Na- 
ture had  here  a  series  of  wonders  and  a  fund  of  delights. — 
Here  she  displayed  her  ingenuity  and  industry  in  a  variety  of 
flowers  and  fruits,  beautifully  coloured,  elegantly  shaped,  and 
charmingly  flavoured ;  and  we  were  diverted  with  numberless 
animals  presenting  themselves  perpetually  to  our  view.  In 
the  decline  of  the  day,  near  the  Kentucky  River,  as  we  de- 
scended the  brow  of  a  small  hill,  a  number  of  Indians  rushed 
out  of  a  thick  cane  brake  and  made  us  prisoners.  They  plun- 
dered us,  and  kept  us  in  confinement  seven  days*  During  this 
time,  we  discovered  no  uneasiness  or  desire  to  escape,  which 
made  them  less  suspicious;  but  in  the  dead  of  night,  as  we  lay 


DANIEL  BOONE.  43 

by  a  large  tire  in  a  thick  cane  brake,  when  sleep  had  locked 
up  their  senses,  my  situation  not  disposing  me  to  rest,  1  gently 
awoke  my  companion.  We  seized  this  favourable  opportunity 
and  departed,  directing  our  course  towards  our  old  camp;  but 
found  it  plundered  and  our  companions  dispersed  or  gone  home. 
About  this  time,  my  brother,  Squire  Boone,  with  another  ad- 
venturer, who  came  to  explore  the  country  shortly  after  us, 
was  wandering  through  the  forest,  and  accidentally  found  our 
camp.  Notwithstanding  our  unfortunate  circumstances,  and 
our  dangerous  situation,  surrounded  by  hostile  savages,  our 
meeting  fortunately  in  the  wilderness  gave  us  the  most  sensible 
satisfaction.  Soon  after  this,  my  companion  in  captivity,  John 
Stuart,  was  killed  by  the  savages;  and  the  man  that  came  with 
my  brother  returned  home  by  himself.  We  were  then  in  a 
dangerous,  helpless  situation,  exposed  daily  to  perils  and  death, 
among  savages  and  wild  beasts,  not  a  white  man  in  the  coun- 
try but  ourselves.  Thus,  many  hundred  miles  from  our  fami- 
lies, in  the  howling  wilderness,  we  did  not  continue  in  a  state 
of  indolence,  but  hunted  every  day,  and  prepared  a  little  cot- 
tage to  protect  us  from  the  winter  storms.  We  met  with  no 
disturbance  during  the  winter.  On  the  first  of  May,  1770,  my 
brother  returned  heme  by  himself,  for  a  new  recruit  of  horses 
and  amunition,  leaving  me  alone  without  bread,  salt,  or  sugar, 
or  even  a  horse  or  dog.  I  passed  a  few  days  uncomfortably. 
The  idea  of  a  beloved  wife  and  family,  and  their  anxiety  on 
my  account,  would  have  exposed  me  to  melancholy,  if  I  had 
further  indulged  the  thought.  One  day  I  undertook  a  tour 
through  the  country,  when  the  diversity  and  beauties  of  nature 
I  met  with  in  this  charming  season,  expelled  every  gloomy 
thought.  Just  at  the  close  of  the  day,  the  gentle  gales  ceased; 
a  profound  calm  ensued;  not  a  breath  shook  the  tremulous 
leaf.  I  had  gained  the  summit  of  a  commanding  ridge,  and 
looking  round  with  astonishment  and  delight,  beheld  the  ample 
plains  and  beauteous  tracts  below.  On  one  hand  the  famous 
Ohio,  rolling  in  silent  dignity,  and  marking  the  western  bound- 
ary of  Kentucky  with  inconceivable  grandeur.  At  a  vast  dis- 
tance I  beheld  the  mountains  lift  their  venerable  brows  and 


14  DANIEL  BOONE. 

penetrate  the  clouds.  All  things  were  still.  I  kindled  a  fire 
near  a  fountain  of  sweet  water,  and  feasted  on  the  loin  of  a 
buck,  which  a  few  hours  before,  1  had  killed.  The  shades  of 
night  soon  overspread  the  hemisphere,  and  the  earth,  seemed 
to  gasp  after  the  hovering  moisture.  My  excursion  had  fatigu- 
ed my  body  and  amused  my  mind.  I  laid  me  down  to  sleep, 
and  awoke  not  until  the  sun  had  chased  away  the  night.  I 
continued  this  lour,  and  in  a  few  days  explored  a  great  part  of 
the  country,  each  day  equally  pleased  as  the  first;  after  which 
I  returned  to  my  old  camp,  which  had  not  been  disturbed  in 
my  absence.  I  did  not  confine  my  lodging  to  it,  but  often  re- 
posed in  thick  cane  brakes,  to  avoid  the  savages,  who,  I 
believe,  often  visited  my  camp,  but  fortunately  during  my  ab- 
sence. No  populous  city,  with  all  the  varieties  of  commerce 
and  stately  structures,  could  afford  so  much  pleasure  to  my 
mind  as  the  beauties  of  nature  I  found  in  this  country.  Until 
the  27th  of  July  I  spent  the  time  in  an  uninterrupted  scene  of 
sylvan  pleasures,  when  my  brother,  to  my  great  felicity,  m^t 
me,  according  to  appointment,  at  our  old  camp.  Soon  after 
we  left  the  place,  and  proceeded  to  Cumberland  River,  recon- 
noitring that  part  of  the  country,  and  giving  names  to  the  dif- 
ferent rivers.  In  March,  1771, 1  returned  home  to  my  family, 
being  determined  to  bring  them  as  soon  as  possible,  at  the  risk 
of  my  life  and  fortune,  to  reside  in  Kentucky,  which  I  esteem- 
ed a  second  paradise.  On  my  return,  I  found  my  family  in 
happy  circumstances.  I  sold  my  farm  at  Yadkin,  and  what 
goods  we  could  not  carry  with  us;  and  on  the  25th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1773,  we  bade  farewell  to  our  friends,  and  proceed- 
ed on  our  journey  to  Kentucky,  in  company  with  five  more 
families,  and  forty  men  that  joined  us  in  Powell's  valley,  which 
is  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  from,  the  now  settled  parts  of 
Kentucky;  but  this  promising  beginning  was  soon  overcast 
with  a  cloud  of  adversity.  On  the  10th  of  October,  the  rear 
of  our  company  was  attacked  by  a  number  of  Indians,  who 
killed  six  and  wounded  one  man.  Of  these  my  eldest  son  was 
one  that  fell  in  the  action.  Though  we  repulsed  the  enemy, 
yet  this  unhappy  affair,  scattered  our  cattle,  brought  us  into 


DANIEL  BOONE.  45 

extreme  difficulty,  and  so  discouraged  the  whole  company, 
that  we  retreated  forty  miles  to  Clench  River.  We  had  pas- 
sed over  two  mountains,  Powell's  and  Walden's,  and  were  ap- 
proaching Cumberland  mountain,  when  this  adverse  fortune 
overtook  us.  These  mountains  are  in  the  wilderness,  in  pass- 
ing from  the  old  settlements  in  Virginia  to  Kentucky,  are 
ranged  in  a  S.W.  and  N.E.  direction,  are  of  great  length  and 
breadth,  and  not  far  distant  from  each  other.  Over  them  na- 
ture has  formed  passes,  less  difficult  than  might  be  expected 
from  the  view  of  such  huge  piles.  The  aspect  of  these  cliffs 
is  so  wild  and  horrid,  that  it  is  impossible  to  behold  them  with- 
out terror.  Until  the  6th  of  June,  1774,  1  remained  with  my 
family  on  the  Clench,  when  I  and  Michael  Stoner  were  solicit- 
ed by  Governor  Dunmore  of  Virginia,  to  conduct  a  number  of 
surveyors  to  the  falls  of  Ohio.  This  was  a  tour  of  near  eight 
hundred  miles,  and  took  us  sixty-two  days.  On  my  return, 
Governor  Ehinmore  gave  me  the  command  of  three  garrisons, 
during  the  campaign  against  the  Shawanese.  In  March,  1775, 
at  the  solicitation  of  a  number  of  gentlemen  of  North-Carolina, 
I  attended  their  treaty  at  Wataga,  with  the  Cherokee  Indians, 
to  purchase  the  lands  on  the  south  side  of  Kentucky  River. 
After  this  I  undertook  to  mark  out  a  road  in  the  best  passage 
from  the  settlements,  through  the  wilderness  to  Kentucky. — 
Having  collected  a  number  of  enterprising  men,  well  armed, 
I  soon  began  this  work.  We  proceeded  until  we  came  within 
fifteen  miles  of  where  Boonsborough  now  stands,  where  the 
Indians  attacked  us,  and  killed  two,  and  wounded  two  more. 
This  was  the  20th  of  March,  1775.  Three  days  after  they 
attacked  us  again;  we  had  two  killed  and  three  wounded. 
After  this  we  proceeded  on  to  Kentucky  River  without  oppo- 
sition. On  the  first  of  April  we  hegan  to  erect  the  fort  of 
Boonsborough,  at  a  salt  lick,  sixty  yards  from  the  river,  on  the 
south  side..  On  the  4th,  they  killed  one  of  our  men.  On  the 
14th  of  June,  having  finished  the  fort,  I  returned  to  my  family, 
on  the  Clench.  Soon  after,  I  removed  my  family  to  this  fort: 
we  arrived  safe;  my  wife  and  daughters  being  the  first  white 
women  that  stood  on  the  banks  of  Kentucky  River.     Decern- 


40  DANIEL  BOONk, 

ber  24th,  the  Indians  killed  one  man  and  wounded  another, 
seeming  determined  to  persecute  us  for  erecting  this  fort.  July 
14th,  1 776,  two  of  Colonel  Col  way's  daughters  and  one  of  mine, 
were  taken  prisoners  near  the  fort:  I  immediately  pursued  the 
Indians  with  only  1 8  men.  On  the  16th  I  overtook  them,  killed 
two  of  them,  and  recovered  the  girls.  The  Indians  had  divided 
themselves  into  several  parties,  and  attacked,  on  the  same  day, 
all  our  settlements  and  forts,  doing  a  great  deal  of  mischief. 
The  husbandman  was  shot  dead  in  the  field,  and  most  of  the 
cattle  were  destroyed.  They  continued  their  hostilities  until 
the  15th  of  April,  1777,  when  a  party  of  one  hundred  of  them 
attacked  Boonsborough,  and  killed  one  man  and  wounded  four. 
July  4th  they  attacked  it  again  with  two  hundred  men,  and 
killed  one  of  us,  and  wounded  two.  They  remained  forty-eight 
hours,  during  which  we  killed  seven  of  them.  All  the  settle- 
ments were  attacked  at  the  same  time.  July  19th,  Colonel 
Logan's  fort  was  besieged  by  two  hundred  Indians.  They  did 
much  mischief:  there  were  only  fifteen  men  in  the  fort;  they 
killed  two  and  wounded  four  of  them.  Indians'  loss  un- 
known. July  25th,  twenty-five  men  came  from  Carolina. 
About  August  20th,  Colonel  Bowman  arrived  with  one  hun- 
dred men  from  Virginia.  Now  we  began  to  strengthen,  and 
had  skirmishes  with  the  Indians  almost  every  day.  The  sava- 
ges now  learned  the  superiority  of  the  longknife,  as  they  call 
the  Virginians;  being  out-generalled  almost  in  every  battle. 
Our  affairs  began  to  wear  a  new  aspect;  the  enemy  did  not 
now  venture  open  war,  but  practised  secret  mischief.  January 
1st,  1778,  I  went  with  thirty  men  to  the  Blue  Licks,  on  Lick- 
ing River,  to  make  salt  for  the  different  garrisons.  February 
7th,  hunting  by  myself,  to  procure  meat  for  the  company,  I  met 
a  party  of  one  hundred  and  two  Indians,  and  two  Frenchmen, 
marching  against  Boonsborough.  They  pursued  and  took  me. 
The  next  day  I  capitulated  for  my  men,  knowing  they  could  not 
escape.  They  were  twenty-seven  in  number,  three  having 
gone  home  with  salt.  The  Indians,  according  to  the  capitula- 
tion, used  us  generously.  They  carried  us  to  Old  Chillicothe^ 
the  principal  Indian  town  mi  the  Little  Miami.     On  the  18th 


DANIEL  BOONE.  4") 

of  February  we  arrived  there,  after  an  uncomfortable  journey, 
in  very  severe  weather.  On  the  10th  of  March,  I  and  ten  of 
my  men  were  conducted  to  Detroit.  On  the  30th  we  arrived 
there,  and  were  treated  by  Governor  Hamilton,  the  British 
commander  at  that  post,  with  great  huma;  i'\.  The  Indians 
had  such  an  affection  for  me,  that  they  refused  one  hundred 
pounds  sterling  offered  them  by  the  governor,  if  they  would 
leave  me  with  the  others,  on  purpose  that  he  might  send  me 
home  on  my  parole.  Several  English  gentlemen  there,  sens- 
ible of  my  adverse  fortune,  and  touched  with  sympathy,  gen- 
erously offered  to  supply  my  wants,  which  I  declined  with  ma- 
ny thanks,  adding,  that  I  never  expected  it  would  be  in  my 
power  to  recompense  such  unmerited  generosity.  On  the  10th 
of  April  they  brought  me  towards  Old  Chillicothe,  where  we 
arrived  on  the  25th  day  of  the  same  month.  This  was  a  long 
and  fatiguing  march  through  an  exceeding  fertile  country,  re- 
markable for  fine  springs  and  streams  of  water.  At  Ci  illicothe 
I  spent  my  time  as  comfortably  as  I  could  expect;  was  adopted, 
according  to  their  custom,  into  a  family,  where  I  became  a  son, 
and  had  a  great  share  in  the  affections  of  my  new  parents,  bro- 
thers, sisters,  and  friends.  I  was  exceedingly  familiar  and 
friendly  with  them,  always  appearing  as  cheerful  and  satisfied 
as  possible,  and  they  put  great  confidence  in  me.  I  often  went 
a  hunting  with  them,  and  frequently  gained  their  applause  for 
my  activity;  at  our  shooting  matches,  I  was  careful  not  to  ex- 
ceed many  of  them  in  shooting;  for  no  people  are  more  envi- 
ous than  they  are  in  this  sport.  I  could  observe  in  their  coun- 
tenances and  gestures  the  greatest  expressions  of  joy  when  they 
exceeded  me,  and  when  the  reverse  happened,  of  envy.  The 
Shawanese  king  took  great  notice  of  me,  treated  me  with  pro- 
found respect  and  entire  friendship,  and  often  entrusted  me  to 
hunt  at  my  liberty.  I  frequently  returned  with  the  spoils  of  the 
woods,  and  as  often  presented  some  of  what  I  had  taken  to  him, 
expressive  of  my  duty  to  my  sovereign.  My  food  and  lodging 
were  in  common  with  them ;  not  so  good,  indeed,  as  I  could  de- 
sire, but  necessity  made  every  thing  acceptable.  1  now  began 
to  meditate  an  escape,  but  carefully  avoided  giving  suspicion. 


48  DANIEL  BOONE. 

Until  the  first  of  June  I  continued  at  Old  Chillicothe,  and  theu 
was  taken  to  the  salt  springs  on  the  Sciota,  and  kept  there  ten 
days  making  salt.  During  this  time  I  hunted  with  them,  and 
found  the  land,  for  a  great  extent  about  this  river,  to  exceed 
the  soil  of  Kentucky,  if  possible,  and  remarkably  well  water- 
ed. On  my  return  to  Chillicothe,  ?450  of  the  choicest  Indian 
warriors  were  ready  to  march  against  Boonsborough,  painted 
and  armed  in  a  dreadful  manner.  This  alarmed  me,  and  I 
determined  to  escape.  On  the  16th  of  June,  before  sunrise,  I 
went  off  secretly,  and  reached  Boonsborough  on  the  20th ;  a 
journey  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  during  which  I  had 
only  one  meal.  I  found  our  fortress  in  a  bad  state;  but  we 
immediately  repaired  our  flanks,  gates,  posterns,  and  formed 
double  bastions,  which  we  completed  in  ten  days.  One  of 
my  fellow-prisoners,  escaping  after  me,  brought  advice,  that  on 
account  of  my  flight,  the  Indians  had  put  off  the  expedition 
for  three  weeks.  About  August  1st,  I  set  out  with  nineteen 
men,  to  surprise  Point  Creek  Town  on  Sciota.  Within  four 
miles  we  fell  in  with  thirty  Indians  going  against  Boonsborough. 
We  fought  and  the  enemy  gave  way.  We  suffered  no  loss. 
The  enemy  had  one  killed  and  two  wounded.  We  took  three 
horses,  and  all  their  baggage.  The  Indians  having  evacuated 
their  town,  and  gone  altogether  against  Boonsborough,  we  re- 
turned, passed  them  on  the  6th  day,  and  on  the  7th  arrived 
safe  at  Boonsborough.  On  the  8th,  the  Indian  army,  444  in 
number,  commanded  by  Captain  Dugnesne,  and  eleven  other 
Frenchmen,  and  their  own  chiefs,  came  and  summoned  the 
fort.  I  requested  two  days  consideration,  which  they  granted. 
During  this,  we  brought  in,  through  the  posterns,  all  the  horses 
and  other  cattle  we  could  collect.  On  the  9th,  in  the  evening, 
I  informed  their  commander,  that  we  were  determined  to  de- 
fend the  fort  while  a  man  was  living.  They  then  proposed  a 
treaty,  and  said,  if  we  sent  out  nine  men  to  conclude  it,  they 
would  withdraw.  The  treaty  was  held  within  sixty  yards  of 
the  fort,  as  we  suspected  the  savages.  The  articles  were 
agreed  to  and  signed;  when  the  Indians  told  us,  it  was  their 
custom  for  two  Indians  to  shake  hands  with  every  white  man, 


DANIEL  BOONE.  49 

as  an  evidence  of  friendship.     We  agreed  to  this  also.    They 
immediately  grappled  us  to  take  us  prisoners;  but  we  cleared 
ourselves  of  them,  though  surrounded  by  hundreds,  and  gain- 
ed the  fort  safely,  except  one  that  was  wounded  by  a  heavy 
tire  from  their  army.     On  this  they  began  to  undermine  the 
fort,  beginning  at  the  water-mark  of  Kentucky  River,  which 
is  sixty  yards  from  the  fort.     We  discovered  this  by  the  water 
being  made  muddy  with  the  clay,  and  countermined  them  by 
cutting  a  trench  across  their  subterranean  passage.     The  ene- 
my, discovering  this,  by  the  clay  we  threw  out  of  the  fort,  de- 
sisted.    On  the  20th  of  August  they  raised  the  siege.     During 
this  dreadful  siege  we  had  two  men  killed  and  four  wounded. 
We  lost  a  number  of  cattle.     We  killed  37  of  the  enemy  and 
wounded  a  great  number.     We  picked  up  125  pounds  of  their 
bullets,  besides  what  stuck  in  the  logs  of  the  fort.     Soon  after 
this  I  went  into  the  settlement,  and  nothing  worthy  of  notice 
passed  for  some  time.     In  July,  1779,  during  my  absence,  Co- 
lonel Bowman,  with  1 60  men,  went  against  the  Shawanese  of 
Old  Chillicothe.     He  arrived  undiscovered;  a  battle  ensued, 
which  lasted  till  10  in  the  morning,  when  Colonel  Bowman 
retreated  30  miles.     The  Indians  collected  all  their  strength 
and  pursued  him,  when  another  engagement  ensued  for  two 
hours,  not  to  Colonel  Bowman's  advantage.     Colonel  Harrod 
proposed  to  mount  a  number  of  horses,  and  break  the  enemy's 
line,  who  at  this  time  fought  with  remarkable  fury.     This  des- 
perate measure  had  a  happy  effect,  and  the  savages  fled  on  all 
sides.     In  these  two  battles  we  had  nine  men  killed  and  one 
wounded.     The  enemy's  loss  was  uncertain,  only  two  scalps 
being  taken.     June   22d,  1780,  about  600  Indians,  and  Cana- 
dians under  Colonel  Bird,  attacked  Riddle's  and  Martin's  sta- 
tions, and  the  forts  of  Licking  River,  with  6  pieces  of  artillery: 
they  took  all  the  inhabitants  captive,  and  killed  one  man  and 
two  women,  and  loaded  the  others   with  the  heavy  baggage, 
and  such  as  failed  in  the  journey  were  tomahawked.     The  hos- 
tile disposition  of  the  savages  caused  General  Clark,  the  com- 
mandant at  the  falls  of  Ohio,  to  march  with  his  regiment  and 
the  armed  force  of  the  country  against  Peccaway,  the  princi- 
7 


50  DANIEL  BOONE. 

pal  town  of  the  Shawanese,  on  a  branch  of  the  Great  Miami, 
which  he  finished  with  great  success,  took  17  scalps  and  burned 
the  town  to  ashes,  with  the  loss  of  17  men.  About  this  time 
1  returned  to  Kentucky  with  my  family;  for  during  my  cap- 
tivity, my  wife,  thinking  me  killed  by  the  Indians,  had  trans- 
ported my  family  and  goods  on  horses,  through  the  wilderness, 
amidst  many  dangers,  to  her  father's  house  in  North-Carolina. 
The  history  of  my  difficulties  in  going  and  returning,  is  too 
long  to  be  inserted  here.  On  the  6th  of  October,  1780,  soon 
after  my  settling  again  at  Boonsborough,  I  went  with  my  bro- 
ther to  the  Blue  Licks;  and  on  our  return,  he  was  shot  by  a 
party  of  Indians;  they  followed  me  by  the  scent  of  a  dog,  which 
I  shot  and  escaped.  The  severity  of  the  winter  caused  great 
distress  in  Kentucky,  the  enemy  during  the  summer  having 
destroyed  most  of  the  corn.  The  inhabitants  lived  chiefly  on 
Buffaloes'  flesh.  In  the  spring,  1782,  the  Indians  harassed  us. 
In  May,  they  killed  one  man  at  Ashton's  station,  and  took  a 
negro.  Captain  Ashton  pursued  them  with  25  men;  and,  in 
an  engagement  which  lasted  two  hours,  he  was  obliged  to  re- 
treat, having  eight  killed  and  four  mortally  wounded;  their 
brave  commander  fell  in  the  action.  August  10,  two  boys  were 
carried  off  from  Major  Hoy's  station.  Captain  Holder  pur- 
sued with  17  men;  they  were  also  defeated,  and  lost  four  and 
one  wounded.  Our  affairs  became  more  and  more  alarming. 
The  savages  infested  the  country,  killing  men  at  every  oppor- 
tuni'y.  In  a  field,  near  Lexington,  an  Indian  shot  a  man,  and 
running  to  scalp  him,  was  himself  shot  from  the  fort,  and  fell 
dead  upon  his  enemy.  All  the  Indian  nations  were  now  uni- 
ted against  us.  August  15,  500  Indians  and  Canadians  came 
against  Briant's  station,  five  miles  from  Lexington ;  they  assault- 
ed the  fort,  and  killed  all  the  cattle  round  it;  but  being  re- 
pulsed, they  retired  the  third  day,  having  about  30  killed,  their 
wounded  uncertain.  The  garrison  had  four'  lolled  and  three 
wounded.  August  18,  Colonel  Todd,  Colonel  Trigg,  Major 
Harland,  and  myself,  speedily  collected  176  men,  well  armed, 
and  pursued  the  savages.  They  had  marched  beyond  the  Blue 
Licks,  to  a  remarkable  bend  of  the  main  fork  of  the  Licking 


DANIEL  BOONE.  51 

River,  about  forty-three  miles  from  Lexington,  where  we  over- 
took them  on  the  19th.  The  savages  observing  us,  gave  way; 
and  we,  ignorant  of  their  numbers,  passed  the  river.  When 
they  saw  our  proceedings,  having  greatly  the  advantage  in  situ- 
ation, they  formed  their  line  of  battle  from  one  bend  of  the 
Licking  to  the  other,  about  a  mile  from  the  Blue  Licks.  The 
battle  was  exceedingly  fierce  for  about  fifteen  minutes,  when 
we,  being  overpowered  by  numbers,  were  obliged  to  retreat, 
with  the  loss  of  sixty-seven  men,  seven  of  whom  were  taken 
prisoners.  The  brave  and  much  lamented  Colonels  Todd  and 
Trigg,  Major  Harland,  and  my  second  son,  were  among  the 
dead.  We  were  afterward  told,  that  the  Indians,  on  number- 
ing their  dead,  finding  they  had  four  more  killed  than  we,  four 
of  our  people  that  they  had  taken,  were  given  up  to  their 
young  warriors,  to  be  put  to  death  after  their  barbarous  man- 
ner. On  our  retreat  we  Were  met  by  Colonel  Logan,  who  was 
hastening  to  join  us  with  a  number  of  well  armed  men:  this 
powerful  assistance  we  wanted  on  the  day  of  battle.  The 
enemy  said,  one  more  fire  from  us  would  have  made  them  give 
way.  I  cannot  reflect  upon  this  dreadful  scene  but  sorrow 
fills  my  heart:  a  zeal  for  the  defence  of  their  country  led  these 
heroes  to  the  scene  of  action,  though  with  a  few  men,  to 
attack  a  powerful  army  of  experienced  warriors.  When  we 
gave  way,  they  pursued  us  with  the  utmost  eagerness,  and  in 
every  quarter  spread  destruction.  The  river  was  difficult  to 
cross,  and  many  were  killed  in  the  flight;  some  just  entering 
the  river,  some  in  the  water,  others  after  crossing,  in  ascending 
the  cliffs*.  Some  escaped  on  horseback,  a  few  on  foot;  and 
being  dispersed  every  where,  a  few  hours  brought  the  melan- 
choly news  of  this  unfortunate  battle  to  Lexington.  Many 
widows  were  now  made.  The  reader  may  guess  what  sorrow 
filled  the  hearts  of  the  inhabitants,  exceeding  any  thing  I  am 
able  to  describe.  Being  reinforced  we  returned  to  bury  the 
dead,  and  found  their  bodies  strewed  every  where,  cut  and 
mangled  in  a  dreadful  manner.  This  mournful  scene  exhibit- 
ed a  horror  almost  unparalleled :  some  torn  and  eaten  by  wild 
beasts:  those  in  the  river  eaten  by  fish ;  all  in  such  a  putrified 


DANIEL  BOONE 

condition  that  no  one  could  be  distinguished  from  another. 
When  General  Clark,  at  the  falls  of  Ohio,  heard  of  our  disas- 
ter, he  ordered  an  expedition  to  pursue  the  savages.  We  over- 
took them  within  two  miles  of  their  towns,  and  we  should  have 
obtained  a  great  victory  had  not  some  of  them  met  us  when 
about  200  poles  from  their  camp.  The  savages  fled  in  the 
utmost  disorder,  and  evacuated  all  their  towns.  We  burned 
to  ashes  old  Chillicothe,  Peccaway,  New-Chillicothe,  Wills- 
Town,  and  Chillicothe ;  entirely  destroyed  their  corn  and  other 
fruits,  and  spread  desolation  through  their  country.  We  took 
seven  prisoners  and  five  scalps,  and  lost  only  four  men,  two  of 
whom  were  accidentally  killed  by  ourselves. 

This  campaign  damped  the  enemy,  yet  they  made  secret  in- 
cursions. In  October,  a  party  attacked  Crab  Orchard;  and 
one  of  them,  being  a  good  way  before  the  others,  boldly  enter- 
ed a  house,  in  which  were  only  a  woman  and  her  children,  and 
a  negro  man.  The  savage  used  no  violence,  but  attempted  to 
carry  off  the  negro,  who  happily  proved  too  strong  for  bim  and 
threw  him  on  the  ground,  and  in  the  struggle  the  woman  cut 
off  his  head  with  an  axe,  whilst  her  little  daughter  shut  the 
door.  The  savages  instantly  came  up,  and  applied  their  toma- 
hawks to  the  door,  when  the  mother  putting  an  old  rusty  gun- 
barrel  through  a  crevice,  the  savages  went  off.  From  that 
time  until  the  happy  return  of  peace  between  the  United  States 
and  Great  Britain,  the  Indians  did  us  no  mischief.  Soon  after 
the  Indians  desired  peace.  Two  darling  sons  and  a  brother  I 
have  lost  by  savage  hands,  which  have  also  taken  forty  valu- 
able horses,  and  an  abundance  of  cattle.  Many  dark  and  sleep- 
less nights  have  I  spent,  separated  from  the  cheerful  society  of 
men,  scorched  by  summer's  sun,  and  pinched  by  the  winter's 
cold,  an  instrument  ordained  to  settle  the  wilderness.  But  now 
the  scene  is  changed;  peace  crowns  the  sylvan  shade. 

DANIEL  BOONE. 

Fayette  county,  Kentucky." 


(53) 

JOHN   CADWALADER, 

Brigadier-General  in  the  American  Army. 

This  zealous  and  inflexible  friend  of  America  was  born  in 
Philadelphia,  1 742.  He  was  distinguished  for  his  intrepidity 
as  a  soldier,  in  upholding  the  cause  of  freedom  during  the  most 
discouraging  periods  of  danger  and  misfortune,  that  America 
ever  beheld. 

At  the  dawn  of  the  revolution,  he  commanded  a  corps  of 
volunteers,  designated  as  "  the  silk-stocking  company"  of  which 
nearly  all  the  members  were  appointed  to  commissions  in  the 
line  of  the  army.  He  afterward  was  appointed  colonel  of  one 
of  the  city  battalions,  and  being  thence  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  Brigadier-General,  was  intrusted  with  the  command  of  the 
Pennsylvania  troops,  in  the  important  operations  of  the  winter 
campaign  of  1776  and  1777.  He  acted  with  this  command, 
as  a  volunteer,  in  the  actions  of  Princeton,  Brandywine,  Ger- 
mantown,  and  Monmouth,  and  on  other  occasions,  and  receiv- 
ed the  thanks  of  General  Washington,  whose  confidence  and 
regard  he  uniformly  enjoyed. 

The  merits  and  services  of  General  Cadwalader,  induced 
congress,  early  in  1778,  to  compliment  him  by  a  unanimous 
vote,  with  the  appointment  of  general  of  cavalry;  which  ap- 
pointment he  declined  under  an  impression  that  he  could  be 
more  useful  to  his  country,  in  the  sphere  in  which  he  had  been 
acting. 

He  was  strongly  and  ardently  attached  to  General  Washing- 
ton, and  his  celebrated  duel  with  General  Conway,  arose  from 
his  spirited  opposition  to  the  intrigues  of  that  officer,  to  un- 
dermine the  standing  of  the  commander-in-chief.  The  follow- 
ing anecdote  of  the  rencounter,  is  related  in  the  "  Anecdotes 
of  the  Revolutionary  War." 

"  The  particulars  of  this  duel,  originating  in  the  honourable 
feelings  of  General  Cadwalader,  indignant  at  the  attempt  of 
his  adversary  to  injure  the  reputation  of  the  commander-in- 
chief,  by  representing  him  as  unqualified  for  the  exalted  sta- 


54  JOHN  CADWALADER. 

tion  which  he  held,  appears  worthy  of  record.     Nor  ought  the 
coolness  observed  on  the  occasion  by  the  parties,  to  be  forgot- 
ten, as  it  evinces  very  strongly,  that  though  imperious  circum- 
stances may  compel  men  of  nice  feeling  to  meet,  that  the  dic- 
tates of  honour  may  be  satisfied,  without  the  smallest  deviation 
from  the  most  rigid  rules  of  politeness.     When  arrived  at  the 
appointed  rendezvous,  General  Cadwalader,  accompanied  by 
General  Dickenson  of  Pennsylvania,  General  Conway  by  Co- 
lonel Morgan  of  Princeton,  it  was  agreed  upon  by  the  seconds, 
that,  on  the  word  being  given,  the  principals  might  fire  in  their 
own  time,  and  at  discretion,  either  by  an  off-hand  shot,  or  by 
taking  a  deliberate  aim.     The  parties  having  declared  them- 
selves ready,  the  word  was  given  to  proceed.     General  Con- 
way immediately  raised  his  pistol,  and  fired  with  great  compo- 
sure, but  without  effect.     General  Cadwalader  was  about  to 
do  so,  when  a  sudden  ,gust  of  wind  occurring,  he  kept  his  pis- 
tol down  and  remained  tranquil.     'Why  do  you  not  fire,  Gen- 
eral  Cadwalader?'    exclaimed  Conway.     'Because,'-   replied 
General  Cadwalader,  'we  came  not  here  to  trifle.     Let  the 
gale  pass,  and  I  shall  act  my  part.'     'You  shall  have  a  fair 
chance  of  performing  it  well,'  rejoined  Conway,  and  immedi- 
ately presented  a  full  front.     General  Cadwalader  fired,  and 
his  ball  entering  the  mouth  of  his  antagonist,  he  fell  directly 
forward  on  his  face.     Colonel  Morgan  running  to  his  assistance, 
found  the  blood  spouting  from  behind  his  neck,  and  lifting  up 
the'  club  of  his  hair,  saw  the  ball  drop  from  it.     It  had  passed 
through  his  head  greatly  to  the  derangement  of  his  tongue  and 
teeth,  but  did  not  inflict  a  mortal  wound.     As  soon  as  the  blood 
was  sufficiently  washed  away  to  allow  him  to  speak,  General 
Conway,  turning  to  his  opponent,  said,  good  humouredly,  'You 
fire,  General,  with  much  deliberation,  and  certainly  with  a 
great  deal  of  effect.'     The  parties  then  parted,,  free  from  all 
resentment." 

This  patriotic  and  exemplary  man  died  February  10th,  1786. 
In  his  private  life  he  exemplified  all  the  virtues  that  ennoble 
the  character  of  man.  His  conduct  was  not  marked  with  the 
least  degree  of  malevolence,  or  party  spirit.     Those  who  hon- 


JAMES  CLIKTON.  55 

e$t\y  differed  from  him  in  opinion,  he  always  treated  with  sin- 
gular tenderness.  In  sociability,  and  cheerfulness  of  temper, 
honesty,  and  goodness  of  heart,  independence  of  spirit,  and 
warmth  of  his  friendship,  he  had  no  superior.  Never  did  any 
man  die  more  lamented  by  his  friends  and  neighbours ;  to  his 
family  and  relations,  his  death  was  a  stroke  still  more  severe. 


JAMES   CLINTON, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army. 

General  Clinton  was  the  fourth  son  of  Colonel  Charles 
Clinton,  and  was  born  in  Ulster  county,  N.  Y.  August  1 9th, 
1736.  In  common  with  his  brothers,  he  received  an  excellent 
education. 

In  the  critical  and  eventful  affairs  of  nations,  when  their 
rights  and  their  interests  are  invaded,  Providence,  in  the  pleni- 
tude of  its  beneficence,  has  generally  provided  men  qualified 
to  raise  the  standard  of  resistance,  and  has  infused  a  redeem- 
ing spirit  into  the  community,  which  enabled  it  to  rise  supe- 
rior to  the  calamities  that  menaced  its  liberty  and  its  prosperity. 
History  does  not  record  a  more  brilliant  illustration  of  this 
truth  than  the  American  revolution.  In  defiance  of  the  most 
appalling  considerations,  constellations  of  the  most  illustrious 
men,  pierced  the  dark  and  gloomy  clouds  which  enveloped 
this  oppressed  people,  and  shone  forth  in  the  councils  and  the 
armies  of  the  nation.  Their  wisdom  drew  forth  the  resources, 
and  their  energy  vindicated  the  rights  of  America.  They 
took  their  lives  in  their  hands,  and  liberty  or  death  was  inscri- 
bed on  their  hearts.  Amidst  this  gallant  band,  General  Clin- 
ton stood  deservedly  conspicuous.  To  an  iron  constitution  and 
an  invincible  courage,  he  added  great  coolness  in  action  and 
perseverance  in  effort.  The  predominant  inclination  of  his 
mind  was  to  a  military  life,  and  by  a  close  attention  to  the  stu- 
dies connected  with  it,  he  prepared  himself  to  perform  those 
duties  which  afterward  devolved  upon  him,  and  thereby  esta- 
blished his  character  as  an  intrepid  and  skilful  officer. 


56  JAMES  CLINTON 

In  the  war  of  1756,  usually  denominated  the  French  war. 
Clinton  first  encountered  the  fatigues  and  dangers  of  a  military 
life.  He  was  a  captain  under  Colonel  Bradstreet,  at  the  cap- 
ture of  Fort  Frontenac,  and  rendered  essential  service  in  that 
expedition  by  the  capture  of  a  sloop  of  war  on  Lake  Ontario. 

"His  company  was  placed  in  row-galleys,  and  favoured  by 
a  calm,  compelled  the  French  vessels  to  strike  after  an  obstinate 
resistance.  His  designation  as  captain  commandant  of  the 
four  companies,  raised  for  the  protection  of  the  western  front- 
iers of  the  counties  of  Orange  and  Ulster,  was  a  post  of  great 
responsibility  and  hazard,  and  demonstrated  the  confidence 
of  the  government.  The  safety  of  a  line  of  settlements,  ex- 
tending at  least  fifty  miles,  was  intrusted  to  his  vigilance  and 
intrepidity.  The  ascendency  of  the  French  over  the  ruthless 
savages,  was  always  predominant,  and  the  inhabitant  of  the 
frontiers  was  compelled  to  hold  the  plough  with  one  hand,  for 
his  sustenance,  and  to  grasp  his  gun  with  the  other,  for  his  de^ 
fence ;  and  he  was  constantly  in  danger  of  being  awakened,  in  the 
hour  of  darkness,  by  the  war-whoop  of  the  savages,  to  witness 
the  conflagration  of  his  dwelling  and  the  mnrder  of  his  family. 

After  the  termination  of  the  French  war,  Mr.  Clinton  mar- 
ried Mary  De  Witt,  and  he  retired  from  the  camp  to  enjoy  the 
repose  of  domestic  life. 

When  the  American  revolution  was  on  the  eve  of  its  com- 
mencement, he  was  appointed,  on  the  30th  June,  1775,  by  the 
continental  congress,  colonel  of  the  3d  regiment  of  New- York 
forces.  On  the  25th  of  October  following,  he  was  appointed 
by  the  provincial  congress  of  New- York,  colonel  of  the  regi- 
ment of  foot  in  Ulster  county;  on  the  8th  of  March,  1776,  by 
the  continental  congress,  colonel  of  the  second  battalion  of  New- 
York  troops;  and  on  the  9th  of  August,  1776,  a  Brigadier- 
General  in  the  army  of  the  United  States;  in  which  station  he 
continued  during  the  greater  part  of  the  war,  having  the  com- 
mand of  the  New-York  line,  or  the  troops  of  that  state ;  and 
at  its  close  he  was  constituted  a  Major-General. 

In  1775,  his  regiment  composed  part  of  the  army  under 
General  Montgomery,  which  invaded  Canada;  and  he  parti-. 


JAMES  CLINTON.  57 

cipated  in  all  the  fatigues,  dangers,  and  privations,  of  that  cele- 
brated but  unfortunate  expedition. 

In  October,  1777,  he  commanded  at  Fort  Clinton,  which, 
together  with  its  neighbour,  Fort  Montgomery,  constituted  the 
defence  of  the  Hudson  River,  against  the  ascent  of  an  enemy. 
His  brother,  the  governor,  commanded  in  chief  at  both  forts. 
Sir  Henry  Clinton,  with  a  view  to  create  a  division  in  favour 
of  General  Burgoyne,  moved  up  the  Hudson  with  an  army  of 
4000  men,  and  attacked  those  works,  which  were  very  imper- 
fectly fortified,  and  only  defended  by  500  men,  composed  prin- 
cipally of  militia.  After  a  most  gallant  resistance,  the  forts 
were  carried  by  storm.  General  Clinton  was  the  last  man  who 
left  the  works,  and  not  until  he  was  severely  wounded  by  the 
thrust  of  a  bayonet 5  pursued  and  fired  at  by  the  enemy,  and 
his  attending  servant  killed.  He  bled  profusely,  and  when  he 
dismounted  from  his  war-horse,  in  order  to  effect  his  escape 
from  the  enemy,  who  were  close  on  him,  it  occurred  to  him 
that  he  must  either  perish  on  the  mountains  or  be  captured, 
unless  he  could  supply  himself  with  another  horse;  an  animal 
which  sometimes  roamed  at  large  in  that  wild  region.  In  this 
emergency  he  took  the  bridle  from  his  horse,  and  slid  down  a 
precipice  of  one  hundred  feet  to  the  ravine  of  the  creek  which 
separated  the  forts,  and  feeling  cautiously  his  way  along  its 
precipitous  banks,  he  reached  the  mountain  at  a  distance  from 
the  enemy,  after  having  fallen  into  the  stream,  the  cold  water 
of  which  arrested  a  copious  effusion  of  blood.  The  return  of 
light  furnished  him  with  the  sight  of  a  horse,  which  conveyed 
him  to  his  house,  about  sixteen  miles  from  the  fort,  where  he 
arrived  about  noon,  covered  with  blood  and  labouring  under  a 
severe  fever.  In  his  helpless  condition  the  British  passed  up 
the  Hudson,  within  a  few  miles  of  his  house,  and  destroyed  the 
town  of  Kingston. 

The  cruel  ravages  and  horrible  irruptions  of  the  Iroquois, 
or  six  nations  of  Indians,  on  our  frontier  settlements,  rendered 
it  necessary  to  inflict  a  terrible  chastisement,  which  would  pre- 
vent a  repetition  of  their  atrocities.  An  expedition  was  ac 
cordingly  planned,  and  their  principal  command  was  commit- 
8 


58  JAMES  CLINTON. 

ted  to  General  Sullivan,  who  was  to  proceed  up  the  Susquehan- 
na, with  the  main  body  of  the  army,  while  General  Clinton 
was  to  join  him  by  the  way  of  the  Mohawk. 

The  Iroquois  inhabited,  or  occasionally  occupied,  that  im- 
mense and  fertile  region  which  composes  the  western  parts  of 
New- York  and  Pennsylvania,  and  besides  their  own  ravages, 
from  the  vicinity  of  their  settlements  t&  the  inhabited  parts  of 
the  United  States,  they  facilitated  the  inroads  of  the  more  re- 
mote Indians.  When  General  Sullivan  was  on  his  way  to  the 
Indian  country,  he  was  joined  by  General  Clinton  with  upwards 
of  sixteen  hundred  men.  The  latter  had  gone  up  the  Mohawk 
in  batteaux,  from  Schenectady,  and  after  ascending  that  river 
about  fifty-four  miles,  he  conveyed  his  batteaux  from  Canajoha- 
rie  to  the  head  of  Otsego  Lake,  one  of  the  sources  of  the  Sus- 
quehanna. Finding  the  stream  of  water,  in  that  river,  too 
low  to  float  his  boats,  he  erected  a  dam  across  the  mouth  of  the 
lake,  which  soon  rose  to  the  altitude  of  the  dam.  Having  got 
his  batteaux  ready,  he  opened  a  passage  through  the  dam  for 
the  water  to  flow.  This  raised  the  river  so  high,  that  he  was 
enabled  to  embark  all  his  troops:  to  float  them  down  to  Tioga, 
and  to  join  General  Sullivan  in  good  season.  The  Indians  col- 
lected their  strength  at  Newtown;  took  possession  of  proper 
ground,  and  fortified  it  with  judgment,  and  on  the  29th  August. 
1779,  an  attack  was  made  on  them;  their  works  were  forced, 
and  their  consternation  was  so  great,  that  they  abandoned  all 
further  resistance;  for,  as  the  Americans  advanced  into  their 
settlements,  they  retreated  before  them  without  throwing  any 
obstructions  in  their  way.  The  army  passed  between  the  Cay- 
uga and  Seneca  lakes,  by  Geneva  and  Canandaigua,  and  as  far 
west  as  the  Gennesee  River,  destroying  large  settlements  and 
villages, and  fields  of  corn;  orchards  of  fruit-trees,  and  gardens 
abounding  with  esculent  vegetables.  The  progress  of  the  In 
dians  in  agriculture,  struck  the  Americans  with  astonishment. 
Many  of  their  ears  of  corn  measured  22  inches  in  length. 
They  had  horses,  cows,  and  hogs,  in  abundance.  They  manu- 
factured salt  and  sugar,  and  raised  the  best  of  apples  and 
peaches,  and  their  dwellings   were  large   and  commodious. 


JAMES  CLINTON.  59 

The  desolation  of  their  settlements,  the  destruction  of  their 
provisions,  and  the  conflagration  of  their  houses,  drove  them  to 
the  British  fortresses  of  Niagara  for  subsistence,  where,  living 
on  salt  provisions,  to  which  they  were  unaccustomed,  they  died 
in  great  numbers,  and  the  effect  of  this  expedition,  was  to  di- 
minish their  population;  to  damp  their  ardour;  to  check  their 
arrogance ;  to  restrain  their  cruelty,  and  to  inflict  an  irrecover- 
able blow  on  their  resources  of  extensive  aggression. 

For  a  considerable  portion  of  the  war,  General  Clinton  was 
stationed  at  Albany,  where  he  commanded,  in  the  northern  de- 
partment of  the  union,  a  place  of  high  responsibility  and  re- 
quiring uncommon  vigilance  and  continual  exertion.  An  inci- 
dent occurred,  when  on  this  command,  which  strongly  illus- 
trates his  character.  A  regiment  which  had  been  ordered  to 
march  mutinied  under  arms,  and  peremptorily  refused  obedi- 
ence. The  general,  on  being  apprised  of  this,  immediately 
repaired  with  his  pistols  to  the  ground:  he  went  up  to  the  head 
of  the  regiment  and  ordered  it  to  march:  a  silence  ensued,  and 
the  order  was  not  complied  with.  He  then  presented  a  pistol 
to  the  breast  of  a  sergeant,  who  was  the  ringleader,  and  com- 
manded him  to  proceed  on  pain  of  death;  and  so  on  in  success- 
ion along  the  line,  and  his  command  was,  in  every  instance,, 
obeyed,  and  the  regiment  restored  to  entire  and  complete  sub- 
ordination and  submission. 

General  Clinton  was  at  the  siege  of  Yorktown  and  the  cap- 
ture of  Cornwallis,  where  he  distinguished  himself  by  his  usual 
intrepidity. 

His  last  appearance  in  arms,  was  on  the  evacuation  of  the 
city  of  New- York,  by  the  British.  He  then  bid  the  command 
er-in-chief  a  final  and  affectionate  adieu,  and  retired  to  his 
ample  estates,  where  he  enjoyed  that  repose  which  was  re- 
quired by  a  long  period  of  fatigue  and  privation. 

He  was,  however,  frequently  called  from  his  retirement  by 
the  unsolicited  voice  of  his  fellow-citizens,  to  perform  civic 
duties.  He  was  appointed  a  commissioner  to  adjust  the  boun- 
dary line  between  Pennsylvania  and  New- York,  which  impor* 
1ant  measure  was  amicably  and  successfully  accomplished.     He 


t>0  JAMES  CLINTOK. 

was  also  selected  by  the  legislature  for  an  interesting  mission 
to  settle  controversies  about  lands  in  the  west,  which  also  ter- 
minated favourably.  He  represented  his  native  county  in  the 
assembly  and  in  the  convention  that  adopted  the  present  con- 
stitution of  the  United  States,  and  he  was  elected,  without 
opposition,  a  senator  from  the  Middle  District;  all  which  trusts 
he  executed  with  perfect  integrity,  with  solid  intelligence,  and 
with  the  full  approbation  of  his  constituents. 

The  temper  of  General  Clinton  was  mild  and  affectionate, 
but  when  raised  by  unprovoked  or  unmerited  injury,  he  exhi- 
bited extraordinary  and  appalling  energy.  In  battle  he  was 
as  cool  and  as  collected  as  if  sitting  by  his  fireside.  Nature 
intended  him  for  a  gallant  and  efficient  soldier,  when  she  en- 
dowed him  with  the  faculty  of  entire  self-possession  in  the 
midst  of  the  greatest  dangers. 

He  died  on  the  2<2H  of  December,  1812,  and  was  interred 
in  the  family  burial-place  in  Orange  county,  and  his  monu- 
mental stone  bears  the  following  inscription: 

"  Underneath  are  interred  the  remains  of  James  Clinton* 
Esquire. 

"He  was  born  the  9th  of  August,  1736;  and  died  the  22d 
of  December,  1812. 

"  His  life  was  principally  devoted  to  the  military  service  of 
his  country,  and  he  had  filled  with  fidelity  and  honour,  several 
distinguished  civil  offices. 

"He  was  an  officer  in  the  revolutionary  war,  and  the  war 
preceding;  and,  at  the  close  of  the  former,  was  a  major-gene- 
ral in  the  army  of  the  United  States.  He  was  a  good  man 
and  a  sincere  patriot,  performing,  in  the  most  exemplary  man- 
ner, all  the  duties  of  life:  and  he  died,  as  he  lived,  without 

fear,  and  without  reproach." 

[Biographical  Dictionary.] 


(61  )         ' 

GEORGE    CLINTON, 

Brigadier-General  in  the  American  Army 

Among  the  many  distinguished  patriots  of  the  revolution^ 
who  have  become  tenants  of  the  tomb,  the  services  of  none 
will  be  more  readily  acknowledged,  than  those  of  the  late 
venerable  George  Clinton.  He  is  descended  from  a  respect- 
able and  worthy  family,  and  was  born  on  the  26th  July,  1739, 
in  the  county  of  Ulster,  in  the  Colony  of  New- York.  His  fa- 
ther, Colonel  Charles  Clinton,  was  an  emigrant  from  Ireland. 

In  early  youth  he  was  put  to  the  study  of  law,  but  long  be- 
fore he  became  a  man,  he  rallied  under  the  standard  of  his 
country,  and  assisted  Amherst  in  the  reduction  of  Montreal. 
In  this  campaign  he  nobly  distinguished  himself  in  a  conflict  on 
the  northern  waters,  when,  with  four  gun-boats,  after  a  severe 
engagement,  he  captured  a  French  brig  of  eighteen  guns. 

This  war  being  ended,  he  returned  again  to  his  favourite 
pursuit,  the  science  of  the  law,  and  placed  himself  under  the 
tuition  of  Chief  Justice  Smith,  where  he  became  a  student 
with  Governor  Morris,  liptwcen  whom  and  himself,  a  differ- 
ence of  political  opinion,  in  after  life  wrought  a  separation. 

He  had  scarcely  commenced  as  a  practitioner,  when,  in  1765, 
the  storm  appeared  to  gather  round  his  native  land,  and  the 
tyrannic  disposition  of  the  mother  country  was  manifested. 
Foreseeing  the  evil  at  hand,  with  a  mind  glowing  with  patriot- 
ism, correct  and  quick  in  its  perceptions;  and  like  time,  steady 
and  fixed  to  the  achievement  of  its  objects,  he  abandoned  the 
advantages  of  the  profession  to  which  he  had  been  educated, 
and  became  a  member  of  the  colonial  legislature;  where  he 
ever  displayed  a  love  of  liberty,  an  inflexible  attachment  to  the 
rights  of  his  country,  and  that  undaunted  firmness  and  integ- 
rity, without  which  this  nation  never  would  have  been  free; 
and  which  has  ever  formed  the  most  brilliant,  though  by  no 
means  the  most  useful  trait  of  his  character.  He  was  chief  of 
the  Whig  party. 

In  this  situation  he  remained,  contending  against  the  doc- 
trine of  British  supremacy;  and  with  great  strength  of  argu- 


62  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ment,  and  force  of  popularity,  supporting  the  rights  of  Ame- 
rica, till  the  crisis  arrived  when,  in  1775,  he  was  returned  a 
member  of  that  patriotic  congress,  who  laid  the  foundation  of 
our  independence.  While  in  this  venerable  body,  it  may  be 
said  of  him  with  truth,  that "  he  strengthened  the  feeble  knees, 
and  the  hands  that  hang  down."  On  the  4th  of  July,  1776,  he 
was  present  at  the  glorious  declaration  of  independence,  and 
assented  with  his  usual  energy  and  decision,  to  that  measure, 
but  having  been  appointed  a  brigadier-general  in  the  militia, 
and  also  in  the  continental  army,  the  exigencies  of  his  coun- 
try at  that  trying  hour,  rendered  it  necessary  for  him  to  take 
the  field  in  person,  and  he  therefore  retired  from  congress  im- 
mediately after  his  vote  was  given,  and  before  the  instrument 
was  transcribed  for  the  signature  of  the  members ;  for  which 
reason  his  name  does  not  appear  among  the  signers. 

A  constitution  having  been  adopted,  for  the  state  of  New- 
York,  in  April,  1777,  he  was  chosen  at  the  first  election  under 
it,  both  governor  and  lieutenant-governor,  and  was  continued 
in  the  former  office  for  eighteen  years.  In  this  year  he  was 
also  appointed  by  congress  to  command  the  post  of  the  High- 
lands, a  most  important  and  arduous  duty.  The  design  of  the 
enemy  was  to  separate  New-England  from  the  rest  of  the  na- 
tion, and  by  preventing  succour  from  the  east,  to  lay  waste 
the  middle  and  southern  country.  Had  this  plan  been  carried 
into  effect,  American  liberty  would  probably  have  expired  in 
its  cradle.  It  was  then  that  his  vast  and  comprehensive  genius 
viewed  in  its  true  light  the  magnitude  of  the  evil  contemplated; 
and  he  roused  to  a  degree  of  energy  unknown  and  unexpected. 
It  was  then  that  Burgoyne  was,  with  the  best  appointed  army 
ever  seen  in  America,  attempting  to  force  his  way  to  Albany, 
and  Howe  attempting  to  effect  a  junction  with  him  at  that 
important  place. 

The  crisis  was  all  important,  and  Clinton  did  not  hesitate 
— he  determined  at  all  hazards  to  save  l|is, country.  With  this 
view,  when  Howe  attempted  to  ascend  the  river,  Clinton  from 
every  height  and  angle  assailed  him.  His  gallant  defence  of 
Fort  Montgomery,  with  a  handful  of  men,  against  a  powerful 


GEORGE  CLINTON.  63 

force  commanded  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  was  equally  honour- 
able to  his  intrepidity  and  his  skill.  The  following  are  the 
particulars  of  his  gallant  conduct  at  the  storming  of  forts  Mont- 
gomery and  Clinton,  in  October,  1777. 

"When  the  British  reinforcements,  under  General  Robert- 
son, amounting  to  nearly  to  2000  men,  arrived  from  Europe, 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  used  the  greatest  exertion,  and  availed 
himself  of  every  favourable  circumstance,  to  put  these  troops 
into  immediate  operation.  Many  were  sent  to  suitable  vessels, 
and  united  in  the  expedition,  which  consisted  of  about  4000 
men,  against  the  forts  in  the  Highlands.  Having  made  the 
necessary  arrangements,  he  moved  up  the  North  River,  and 
landed  on  the  4th  uf  October  at  Tarry-town,  purposely  to  im- 
press General  Putnam,  under  whose  command  a  thousand  con- 
tinental troops  had  been  left,  with  a  belief,  that  his  post  at 
Peek's-kill  was  the  object  of  attack.  At  eight  o'clock  at  night, 
the  general  communicated  the  intelligence  to  Governor  Clin- 
ton, of  the  arrival  of  the  British,  and  at  the  same  time  express- 
ed his  opinion  respecting  their  destination.  The  designs  of  Sir 
Henry  were  immediately  perceived  by  the  governor,  who  pro- 
rogued the  assembly  on  the  following  day,  and  arrived  that 
night  at  Fort  Montgomery.  The  British  troops  in  the  mean 
time,  were  secretly  conveyed  across  the  river,  and  assaults  up- 
on our  forts  were  meditated  to  be  made  on  the  6th,  which  were 
accordingly  put  in  execution,  by  attacking  the  American  ad- 
vanced party  at  Doodletown,  about  two  miles  and  a  half  from 
Fort  Montgomery.  The  Americans  received  the  fire  of  the 
British,  and  retreated  to  Fort  Clinton.  The  enemy  then  ad- 
vanced to  the  west  side  of  the  mountain,  in  order  to  attack  our 
troops  in  the  rear.  Governor  Clinton  immediately  ordered 
out  a  detachment  of  one  hundred  men  toward  Doodletown. 
and  another  of  sixty,  with  a  brass  field  piece,  to  an  eligible 
spot  on  another  road.  They  were  both  soon  attacked  by  the 
whole  force  of  the  ene:ny,  and  compelled  to  fall  back.  It  has 
been  remarked,  that  the  talents,  as  well  as  the  temper  of  a 
commander,  are  put  to  as  severe  a  test  in  conducting  a  retreat, 
as  in  achieving  a  victory.     The  truth  of  this  Governor  Clinton 


64  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

experienced,  when,  with  great  bravery,  and  the  most  perfect 
order,  he  retired  till  he  reached  the  fort.  He  lost  no  time  in 
placing  his  men  in  the  beet  manner  that  circumstances  would 
admit.  His  post,  however,  as  well  as  Fort  Clinton,  in  a  few  min- 
utes were  invaded  on  every  side.  In  the  midst  of  this  disheart- 
ening and  appalling  disaster,  he  was  summoned,  when  the  sun 
was  only  an  hour  high,  to  surrender  in  five  minutes;  but  his 
gallant  spirit  sternly  refused  to  obey  the  call.  In  a  short  time 
after,  the  British  made  a  general  and  most  desperate  attack  on 
both  posts,  which  was  received  by  the  Americans  with  undis- 
mayed courage  and  resistance.  Officers  and  men,  militia  and 
continentals,  all  behaved  alike  brave.  An  incessant  fire  was 
kept  up  till  dusk,  when  our  troops  were  overpuweied  by  num- 
bers, who  forced  tho  lines  and  redoubts  at  both  posts.  Many 
of  the  Americans  fought  their  way  out,  others  accidentally 
mixed  with  the  enemy, and  thus  made  their  escape  effectually: 
for,  besides  being  favoured  by  the  night,  they  knew  the  various 
avenues  in  the  mountains.  The  governor,  as  well  as  his  brother, 
General  James  Clinton,  who  was  wounded,  were  not  taken."* 

Howe,  driven  to  madness  by  the  manly  resistance  of  his  foes, 
inconsiderately  landed  and  marched  into  the  country,  and  im- 
mortalized -his  name  by  burning  Kingston  and  other  villages. 
But  the  great  object  of  the  expedition,  the  forming  a  conjunc- 
tion with  Burgoyne,  was  happily  defeated,  by  the  capture  of 
that  general,  and  America  was  free. 

From  this  moment,  for  eighteen  years  in  succession,  he  re- 
mained the  governor  of  New- York,  re-elected  to  that  import- 
ant station  by  a  generous  and  wise  people,  who  knew  how  to 
appreciate  his  wisdom  and  virtue,  and  their  own  blessings. 
During  this  period,  he  was  president  of  the  convention  of  that 
state,  which  ratified  the  national  constitution:  when,  as  in  all 
other  situations,  he  undeviatingly  manifested  an  ardent  attach- 
ment to  civil  liberty. 

After  the  life  of  labour  and  usefulness,  here  faintly  portray- 
ed; worn  with  the  fatigues  of  duty,  and  with  a  disease  which 

*  American  Biographical  Dictionary. 


THOMAS  CONWAY.  65 

then  afflicted  him,  but  which  had  been  removed  for  the  last 
eight  years  of  his  life;  having  led  his  native  state  to  eminent, 
if  not  unrivalled  importance  and  prosperity,  he  retired  from 
public  life,  with  a  mind  resolved  not  to  mingle  again  with  go- 
vernmental concerns,  and  to  taste  those  sweets  which  result 
from  reflecting  on  a  life  well  spent. 

In  1805  he  was  chosen  Vice-President  of  the  United  States, 
by  the  same  number  of  votes  that  elevated  Mr.  Jefferson  to 
the  presidency;  in  which  station  he  discharged  his  duties 
with  unremitted  attention;  presiding  with  great  dignity  in 
the  Senate,  and  evincing,  by  his  votes  and  his  opinions,  his  de- 
cided hostility  to  constructive  authority,  and  to  innovations  on 
the  established  principles  of  republican  government. 

He  died  at  Washington,  when  attending  to  his  duties  as 
Vice-President,  and  was  interred  in  that  city,  where  a  monu- 
ment was  erected  by  the  filial  piety  of  his  children,  with  this 
inscription,  written  by  his  nephew : — 

"  To  the  memory  of  George  Clinton.  He  was  born  in  the 
state  of  New- York,  on  the  26th  July,  1739,  and  died  in  the 
city  of  Washington,  on  the  20th  April,  1812,  in  the  73d  year  of 
his  age." 

"He  was  a  soldier  and  statesman  of  the  revolution.  Emi- 
nent in  council,  and  distinguished  in  war,  he  filled,  with  unex- 
ampled usefulness,  purity,  and  ability,  among  many  other  offi- 
ces, those  of  Governor  of  his  native  state,  and  of  Vice-Presi- 
dent of  the  U.  States.  While  he  lived,  his  virtue,  wisdom,  and 
valour  were  the  pride,  the  ornament,  and  security  of  his  coun- 
try, and  when  he  died,  he  left  an  illustrious  example  of  a  well 
spent  life,  worthy  of  all  imitation." 


THOMAS   CONWAY, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army, 

M  This,  gentleman  was  born  in  Ireland,  and  went  with  his 
parents  to  France,  at  the  age  of  six  years,  and  was  from  his  youth 
educated  to  the  profession  of  arms.      He  had  obtained  con- 


66  THOMAS  CONWAY. 

siderabJe  reputation  as  a  military  officer,  and  as  a  man  of  sound 
understanding  and  judgment.  He  arrived  from  France  with 
ample  recommendations,  and  congress  appointed  him  a  briga- 
dier-general in  May,  1777.  He  soon  became  conspicuously 
inimical  to  General  Washington,  and  sought. occasions  to  tra- 
duce his  character.  In  this  he  found  support  from  a  faction 
in  Congress,  who  were  desirous  that  the  commander-in-chief 
should  be  superseded.  The  congress  not  long  after  elected 
General  Conway  to  the  office  of  Inspector-General  to  our 
army,  with  the  rank  of  Major-General,  though  he  had  insulted 
the  commander-in-chief,  and  justified  himself  in  doing  so. — 
This  gave  umbrage  to  the  brigadiers  over  whom  he  was  pro- 
moted, and  they  remonstrated  to  congress  against  the  pro 
reeding,  as  implicating  their  honour  and  character.  Conway, 
now  smarting  under  the  imputation  of  having  instigated  a  hos- 
tile faction  against  the  illustrious  Washington,  and  being  ex- 
tremely unpopular  among  the  officers  in  general,  and  finding 
his  situation  did  not  accord  with  his  feelings  and  views,  re- 
signed his  commission,  without  having  commenced  the  duties 
of  inspector.  He  was  believed  to  be  an  unprincipled  in- 
triguer, and  after  his  resignation,  his  calumny  and  detraction 
of  the  commander-in-chief,  and  the  army  generally,  was  exer- 
cised with  unrestrained  virulence  and  outrage. 

No  man  was  more  zealously  engaged  in  the  scheme  of  eleva- 
ting General  Gates  to  the  station  of  commander-in-chief.  His 
vile  insinuations  and  direct  assertions  in  the  public  newspapers, 
and  in  private  conversation,  relative  to  the  incapacity  of  Wash 
ington  to  conduct  the  operations  of  the  army,  received  counte- 
nance from  several  members  of  congress,  who  were  induced 
to  declare  their  want  of  confidence  in  him,  and  the  affair  as- 
sumed an  aspect  threatening  the  most  disastrous  consequences. 
Conway  maintained  a  correspondence  with  General  dates  on 
the  subject,  and  in  one  of  his  letters,  he  thus  expresses  him- 
self: "Heaven  has  been  determined  to  save  your  country,  or  a 
weak  general  and  bad  counsellors  would  have  ruined  it."  He 
was  himself  at  that  time  one  of  the  counsellors,  against  whom 
he  so  basely  inveighs.     Envy  and  malice  ever  are  attendant  or 


WILLIAM  DAVIDSON.  67 

exalted  genius  and  merit. '  But  the  delusion  was  of  short  con- 
tinuance, the  name  of  Washington  proved  unassailable,  and 
the  base  intrigue  of  Conway  recoiled  with  bitterness  on  hi? 
own  head."* 

General  Cadwalader,  of  Pennsylvania,  indignant  at  the  at 
tempt  to  vilify  the  character  of  Washington,  resolved  to 
avenge  himself  on  the  aggressor  in  personal  combat.  The 
particulars  of  this  meeting  are  given  in  the  biography  of  Gene- 
ral Cadwalader.  General  Conway,  conceiving  his  wound  to 
be  mortal,  and  believing  death  to  be  near,  acted  honourably, 
in  addressing  to  General  Washington,  whom  he  had  perfidi- 
ously slandered,  the  following  letter  of  apology: 

"  Philadelphia,  Feb.  23,  1778. 

Sir. — I  find  myself  just  able  to  hold  my  pen  during  a  few 
minutes,  and  take  this  opportunity  of  expressing  my  sincere 
grief  for  having  done,  written,  or  said  any  thing  disagreeable 
to  your  Excellency.  My  career  will  soon  be  over,  therefore 
justice  and  truth  prompt  me  to  declare  my  last  sentiments. — 
You  are,  in  my  eyes,  the  great  and  good  man.  May  you  long 
enjoy  the  love,  esteem,  and  veneration  of  these  states,  whose 
liberties  you  have  asserted  by  your  virtues. 
I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

Your  Excellency's 
Most  obedient  and  humble  Servant, 
Ths.  Conway.'1 


WILLIAM    DAVIDSON, 

Brigadier-General  in  the  American  Army. 

William  Davidson,  Lieutenant-Colonel  commandant  in  the 
$orth  Carolina  line,  and  Brigadier-General  in  the  militia  of 
that  state,  was  the  youngest  son  of  George  Davidson,  who  re- 
moved with  his  family  from  Lancaster  county,  in  Pennsylvania, 
in  the  year  1750,  to  Rowan  county,  in  North  Carolina. 


'    »iw  »— a     mwi  »  *  . 


*Thacher's  Military  Journal 


68  WILLIAM  DAVIDSON. 

William  was  born  in  the  year  1746,  and  was  educated  in  a 
plain  country  manner,  at  an  academy  in  Charlotte,  the  county 
town  of  Mecklenburgh,  which  adjoins  Rowan. 

Like  most  of  the  enterprising  youth  of  America,  Davidson 
repaired  to  the  standard  of  his  country,  on  the  commencement 
of  the  revolutionary  war,  and  was  appointed  a  major  in  one  of 
the  first  regiments  formed  by  the  government  of  North  Carolina. 

In  this  character  he  marched  with  the  North  Carolina  line, 
under  Brigadier-General  Nash,  to  the  main  army  in  New-Jersey, 
where  he  served  under  the  commander-in-chief,  until  the  North 
Carolina  line  was  detached  in  November,  1779,  to  re-inforce 
the  southern  army,  commanded  by  Major-General  Lincoln.— 
Previous  to  this  event,  Major  Davidson  was  promoted  to  the 
command  of  a  regiment,  with  the  rank  of  a  lieutenant-colonel 
commandant. 

As  he  passed  through  North  Carolina,  Davidson  obtained 
permission  to  visit  his  family,  from  which  he  had  been  absent 
nearly  three  years.  The  delay  produced  by  this  visit  saved 
him  from  captivity,  as  he  found  Charleston  so  closely  invested 
when  he  arrived  in  its  neighbourhood,  as  to  prevent  his  injunc- 
tion with  his  regiment. 

Soon  after  the  surrender  of  General  Lincoln  and  his  army, 
the  loyalists  of  North  Carolina,  not  doubting  the  complete 
success  of  the  royal  forces,  began  to  embody  themselves  for 
the  purpose  of  contributing  their  active  aid  in  the  field  to  the 
subsequent  operations  of  the  British  general.  They  were  nu- 
merous in  the  western  parts  of  the  state,  and  especially  in  the 
highland  settlement  about  Cross  Creek.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Davidson  put  himself  at  the  head  of  some  of  our  militia,  called 
out  to  quell  the  expected  insurrection.  He  proceeded  with 
vigour  in  the  execution  of  his  trust;  and  in  an  engagement 
with  a  party  of  loyalists  near  Calson's  mill,  he  was  severely 
wounded;  the  ball  entered  the  umbilical  region,  and  passed 
through  his  body  near  the  kidneys.  This  confined  him  for  eight 
weeks;  when  recovering,  he  instantly  took  the  field,  having 
been  recently  appointed  Brigadier-General  by  the  government 
of  North  Carolina,  in  the  place  of  Brigadier-General  Ruther- 


WILLIAM  DAVIDSON.  w 

ford,  taken  at  the  battle  of  Camden.  He  exerted  himself,  in 
conjunction  with  General  Sumner  and  Colonel  Davie,  to  inter- 
rupt the  progress  of  Lord  Cornwallis  in  his  advance  towards 
Salisbury,  and  throughout  that  eventful  period,  gave  unceas- 
ing evidences  of  his  Zeal  and  firmness  in  upholding  his  falling 
country. 

After  the  victory  obtained  by  Morgan  at  the  Cowpens,  Da- 
vidson was  among  the  most  active  of  his  countrymen  in  assem- 
bling the  militia  of  his  district,  to  enable  General  Greene,  who 
had  joined  the  light  corps  under  Morgan,  to  stop  the  progress 
of  the  advancing  enemy,  and  was  detached  by  General  Greene, 
on  the  night-  of  the  last  day  of  January,  to  guard  the  very  ford 
selected  by  Lord  Cornwallis  for  his  passage  of  the  Catawba 
River  on  the  next  morning.  Davidson  possessed  himself  of  the 
post  in  the  night,  at  the  head  of  three  hundred  men ;  and  ha- 
ving placed  a  picquet  near  the  shore,  stationed  his  corps  at 
some  small  distance  from  the  ford. 

General  Henry  Lee,  from  whose  memoirs  of  the  war  in  the 
Southern  department  of  the  United  States,  we  copy  the  pre- 
sent sketch  of  General  Davidson,  gives  the  following  account 
of  the  battle: 

"A  disposition  was  immediately  made  to  dislodge  Davidson, 
which  the  British  General  O'Harra,  with  the  guards,  effected. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Hall,  led  with  the  light  company  >  followed 
by  the  grenadiers.  The  current  was  rapid,  the  stream  waist 
deep,  and  five  hundred  yards  in  width.  The  soldiers  crossed 
in  platoons,  supporting  each  other's  steps.  When  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Hall  reached  the  river,  he  was  descried  by  the  Ameri- 
can sentinels,  whose  challenge  and  fire  brought  Davidson's 
corps  into  array.  Deserted  by  his  guide,  Hall  passed  directly 
across,  not  knowing  the  landing  place,  which  lay  below  him. 
This  deviation  from  the  common  course,  rendered  it  necessary 
for  Davidson  to  incline  to  the  right;  but  this  manoeuvre,  al- 
though promptly  performed,  was  not  effected  until  the  light 
infantry  had  gained  the  shore.  A  fierce  conflict  ensued,  which 
was  well  supported  by  Davidson  and  his  inferior  force.  The 
militia  at  length  yielded,  and  Davidson,  while  mounting  his 


70  WILLIAM  DAVIDSOfc. 

horse  to  direct  the  retreat,  was  killed.  The  corps  dispersed* 
and  sought  safety  in  the  woods.  Our  loss  was  small  excepting 
General  Davidson,  an  active,  zealous,  and  influential  officer. 
The  British  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hdll  was  also  killed,  with  three 
of  the  light  infantry,  and  thirty-six  were  wounded.  Lord  Corn- 
wallis's  horse  was  shot  under  him,  and  fell  as  soon  as  he  got 
upon  the  shore.  Leslee's  horses  were  carried  down  the  stream, 
and  with  difficulty  saved ;  and  O'Harra's  tumbled  over  with 
him  into  the  water." 

The  loss  of  Brigadier-General  Davidson  would  always  have 
been  felt  in  any  stage  of  the  war.  It  was  particularly  detri- 
mental in  its  effect  at  this  period,  as  he  was  the  chief  instrument 
relied  upon  by  General  Greene  for  the  assemblage  of  the  mili- 
tia; an  event  all  important  at  this  crisis,  and  anxiously  desired 
by  the  American  general.  The  ball  passed  through  his  breast, 
and  he  instantly  fell  dead. 

This  promising  soldier  was  thus  lost  to  his  country  in  the 
meridian  of  life,  and  at  a  moment  when  his  services  would  have 
been  highly  beneficial  to  her.  He  was  a  man  of  popular  man- 
ners, pleasing  address,  active  and  indefatigable.  Enamoured 
with  the  profession  of  arms,  and  devoted  to  the  great  cause  for 
which  he  fought,  his  future  usefulness  may  be  inferred  from  his 
former  conduct. 

The  Congress  of  the  United  States,  in  gratitude  for  his  servi- 
ces, and  in  commemoration  of  their  sense  of  his  worth,  passed 
the  following  resolution,  directing  the  erection  of  a  monument 
to  his  memory: — 

Resolved,  That  the  governor  and  state  of  North  Carolina, 
be  desired  to  erect  a  monument,  at  the  expense  of  the  United 
States,  not  exceeding  the  value  of  five  hundred  dollars,  to  the 
memory  of  the  late  Brigadier-General  Davidson,  who  com- 
manded the  militia  of  the  district  of  Salisbury,  in  the  state  of 
North  Carolina,  and  was  killed  on  the  first  day  of  February 
last,  fighting  gallantly  in  the  defence  of  the  liberty  and  inde- 
pendence of  these  states."* 

♦American  Biographical  Dictionary. 


(71  ) 

WILLIAM    RICHARDSON   DAVIE, 

Colonel  Commandant  of  the  State  Cavalry  of  North  Carolina. 

Colonel  Davie  was  born  in  the  village  of  Egremont,  in^Eng* 
land,  on  the  20th  June,  1759.  His  father,  visiting  South 
Carolina  soon  after  the  peace  of  1763,  brought  with  him  his 
son;  and  returning  to  England,  confided  him  to  the  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Richardson,  his  maternal  uncle;  who  becoming  much 
attached  to  his  nephew,  not  only  took  charge  of  his  education, 
but  adopted  him  as  his  son  and  heir.  At  the  proper  age,  Wil- 
liam was  sent  to  an  academy  in  North  Carolina;  from  whence 
he  was,  after  a  few  years,  removed  to  the  college  of  Nassau 
Hall,  in  Princeton,  New- Jersey,  then  becoming  the  resort  of 
most  of  the  southern  youth  under  the  auspices  of  the  learned 
and  respectable  Dr.  Witherspoon.  Here  he  finished  his  edu- 
cation, graduating  in  the  autumn  of  1776,  a  year  memorable  in 
our  military  as  well  as  civil  annals. 

Returning  home,  young  Davie  found  himself  shut  out  for  a 
time  from  the  army,  as  the  commissions  for  the  troops  just  levied 
had  been  issued.  He  went  to  Salisbury,  where  he  commenced 
the  study  of  law.  The  war  continuing,  contrary  to  the  expec- 
tations which  generally  prevailed  when  it  began,  Davie  could 
no  longer  resist  the  wish  to  plant  himself  among  the  defenders 
of  his  country.  Inducing  a  worthy  and  popular  friend,  rather 
too  old  for  military  service,  to  raise  a  troop  of  dragoons  as  the 
readiest  mode  of  accomplishing  his  object,  Davie  obtained  a 
lieutenancy  in  this  troop.  Without  delay  the  captain  joined 
the  Southern  army,  and  soon  afterwards  returned  home  on  a 
furlough.  The  command  of  the  troop  devolving  on  Lieutenant 
Davie,  it  was,  at  his  request,  annexed  to  the  legion  of  Count 
Pulaski,  where  Captain  Davie  continued,  until  promoted  by 
Major-General  Lincoln  to  the  station  of  Brigade  Major  of  cav- 
alry. In  this  office  Davie  served  until  the  affair  at  Stono, 
devoting  his  leisure  to  the  acquirement  of  professional  know- 
ledge, and  rising  fast  in  the  esteem  of  the  general  and  army. 
When  Lincoln  attempted  to  dislodge  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mait- 


72  WILLIAM  RICHARDSON  DAVIE. 

land  from  his  entrenched  camp  on  the  Stono,  Davie  received  a 
severe  wound,  and  was  removed  from  camp  to  the  hospital  in 
Charleston,  where  he  was  confined  five  months. 

Sjpon  after  his  recovery  he  was  empowered  by  the  govern 
ment»of*North  Carolina  to  raise  a  small  legionary  corps,  con- 
sisting of  one  troop  of  dragoons  and  two  companies  of  mounted 
infantry ;  at  the  head  of  which  he  was  placed  with  the  rank  of 
major. 

Quickly  succeeding  in  completing  his  corps,  in  whose  equip 
ment  he  expended  the  last  remaining  shilling  of  an  estate  be- 
queathed to  him  by  his  uncle,  he  took  the  field,  and  was  sedu- 
lously engaged  in  protecting  the  country  between  Charlotte  and 
Camden,  from  the  enemy's  predatory  excursions.  On  the  fatal 
19th  of  August  he  was  hastening  with  his  corps  to  join  the  army, 
when  he  met  our  dispersed  and  flying  trtops.  He  nevertheless^ 
continued  to  advance  toward  the  conqueror;  and  by  his  pru- 
dence, zeal,  and  vigilance,  saved  a  few  of  our  wagons,  and 
many  of  our  stragglers.  Acquainted  with  the  movement  of 
Sumpter,  and  justly  apprehending  that  he  would  be  destroyed 
unless  speedily  advised  of  the  defeat  of  Gates,  he  despatched 
immediately  a  courier  to  that  officer,  communicating  what  had 
happened,  performing,  in  the  midst  of  distress  and  confusion,, 
the  part  of  an  experienced  captain. 

So  much  was  his  conduct  respected  by  the  government  of 
North  Carolina,  that  he  was  in  the  course  of  September  pro- 
moted-to  the  rank  of  colonel  commandant  of  the  cavalry  of  the 
state. 

At  the  two  gloomiest  epochs  of  the  southern  war,  soon  after 
the  fall  of  Charleston  and  the  overthrow  of  Gates,  it  was  the 
good  fortune  of  Colonel  Davie,  to  be  the  first  to  shed  a  gleam 
through  the  surrounding  darkness,  and  give  hope  to  the  coun- 
try, by  the  brilliancy  of  his  exploits.  In  one  instance,  without 
loss  or  injury,  on  his  part,  he  entirely  destroyed  an  escort  of 
provisions,  taking  40  prisoners,  with  their  horses  and  arms.  In 
the  other,  under  the  immediate  eye  of  a  large  British  force, 
which  was  actually  beating  to  arms,  to  attack  him,  he  routed 
a  party  stronger  than  his  own,  killing  and  wounding  60  of  the 


WILLIAM  RICHARDSON  DAVIE.  >3 

enemy,  and  carrying  off  with  him  96  horses  and  120  stand  of 
arms. 

When  Lord  Cornwallis  entered  Charlotte,  a  small  village  in 
North  Carolina,  Colonel  Davie,  at  the  head  of  his  detachment, 
threw  himself  in  his  front,  determined  to  give  him  a  specimen 
of  the  firmness  an^gallantry,  with  which  the  inhabitants  of  the 
place  were  prepared  to  dispute  with  his  lordship  their  native 
soil. 

Colonel  Tarlton's  legion  formed  the  British  van,  led  by  Ma- 
jor Hanger,  the  commander  himself  being  confined  by  sickness. 
When  that  celebrated  corps  bad  advanced  near  to  the  centre 
of  the  village,  where  the  Americans  were  posted,  Davie  pour- 
ed into  it  so  destructive  a  fire,  that  it  immediately  wheeled,  and 
retired  in  disorder.  Being  rallied  on  the  commons,  and  again 
led  on  to  the  charge, it  received  on  the  same  spot,  another  fire 
"with  similar  effect. 

Lord  Cornwallis  witnessing  the  confusion,  thus  produced, 
among  his  choisest  troops,  rode  up  in  person,  and  in  a  tone  of 
dissatisfaction,  upbraided  the  legion  with  unsoldierly  conduct, 
reminding  it  of  its  former  exploits  and  reputation. 

Pressed  on  his  flanks  by  the  British  infantry,  Colonel  Davie 
had  now  fallen  back  to  a  new  and  well  selected  position.  To 
dislodge  him  from  this,  the  legion  cavalry  advanced  on  him,  a 
third  time,  in  rapid  charge,  in  full  view  of  their  commander-in- 
chief,  but  in  vain.  Another  fire  from  the  American  marksmen, 
killed  several  of  their  officers,  wounded  Major  Hanger,  and 
repulsed  them  again  with  increased  confusion. 

The  main  body  of  the  British  being  now  within  musket  shot, 
the  American  leader  abandoned  the  contest. 

It  was  by  strokes  like  these,  that  he  seriously  crippled  and 
intimidated  his  enemy,  acquired  an  elevated  standing  in  the 
estimation  of  his  friends  and  served  very  essentially  the  inter- 
est of  freedom.  v. 

In  this  station  he  was  found  by  General  Greene,  on  assuming 
the  command  of  the  southern  army  ;  whose  attention  had  been 
occupied  from  his  entrance  into  North  Carolina,  in  remedying 
*he  disorder   in  the    quarter-master  and  commissary   depart 

10 


74  WILLIAM  RICHARDSON  DAVIE. 

ments.  To  the  first,  Carrington  had  heen  called ;  and  Davie 
was  now  induced  to  take  upon  himself  the  last,  much  as  he 
preferred  the  station  he  then  possessed.  At  the  head  of  this 
department,  Colonel  Davie  remained  throughout  the  trying 
campaign  which  followed ;  contributing  greatly  by  his  talents, 
his  zeal,  his  local  knowledge,  and  his  influence,  to  the  main- 
tenance of  the  dfficult  and  successful  operations  which  follow- 
ed. While  before  Ninety-six,  Greene,  foreseeing  the  difficul- 
ties again  to  be  encountered,  in  consequence  of  the  accessioil 
of  force  to  the  enemy  by  the  arrival  of  three  regiments  of  in- 
fantry from  Ireland,  determined  to  send  a  confidential  officer 
to  the  legislature  of  North  Carolina,  then  in  session,  to  repre- 
sent to  them  his  relative  condition,  and  to  urge  their  adoption 
of  effectual  measures  without  delay,  for  the  collection  of  maga- 
zines of  provisions  and  the  reinforcement  of  the  army.  Colo- 
nel Davie  was  selected  by  Greene  for  this  important  mission, 
and  immediately  repaired  to  the  seat  of  government,  where  he 
ably  and  faithfully  exerted  himself  to  give  effect  to  the  views 
of  his  general. 

The  effect  of  the  capture  of  Cornwallis  assuring  the  quick 
return  of  peace,  Colonel  Davie  returned  home,  and  resumed 
the  profession  with  the  practice  of  the  law  in  the  town  of  Hali- 
fax, on  the  Roanoke. 

He  was  afterward  governor  of  North  Carolina,  and  one  of 
our  ambassadors  to  France,  at  a  very  portentous  conjuncture. 

The  war  in  the  south  was  ennobled  by  great  and  signal 
instances  of  individual  and  partizan  valour  and  enterprise. 
Scarcely  do  the  most  high  drawn  heroes  of  fiction,  surpass,  in 
their  darings  and  extraordinary  achievements,  many  of  the 
real  ones  of  Pickens,  Marion,  Sumpter,  and  Davie,  who  figured 
in  the  southern  states,  during  the  conflict  of  the  revolution. 

Colonel  Davie,  although  younger  by  several  years,  possessed 
talents  of  a  higher  order,  and  was  much  more  accomplished, 
in  education  and  manners,  than  either  of  his  three  competitors 
for  fame.  For  the  comeliness  of  his  person,  his  martial  air, 
his  excellence  in  horsemanship,  and  his  consummate  powers 
of  field  eloquence,  he  had  scarcely  an  equal  in  the  armies  of 


HENRY  DEARBORN  75 

his  country.  But  his  chief  excellence  lay  in  the  magnanimity 
and  generosity  of  his  soul,  his  daring  courage,  his  vigilance  and 
address,  and  his  unrelaxing  activity  and  endurance  of  toil.  If 
he  was  less  frequently  engaged  in  actual  combat,  than  either 
of  his  three  compeers,  it  was  not  because  he  was  inferior  to 
either  of  them  in  enterprise,1  or  love  of  battle.  His  district 
"being  more  interior,  was,  at  first,  less  frequently  invaded  by 
British  detachments.  When,  however,  lord  Cornwallis  ulti- 
mately advanced  into  that  quarter,  his  scouts  and  foraging 
parties,  found  in  Colonel  Davie,  and  his  brave  associates,  as 
formidable  an  enemy  as  they  had  ever  encountered. 


HENRY   DEARBORN, 

Colonel  in  the  American  Army. 

The  subjoined  sketch  of  the  revolutionary  services  rendered 
by  General  Dearborn,  is  collected  from  his  brothers  in  arms. 

When  the  British  sent  a  detachment  to  destroy  the  military 
stores  in  the  vicinity  of  Lexington,  Mr.  Dearborn,  then  a  young 
gentleman  in  the  study  of  medicine,  resided  at  Nottingham,  in 
New-Hampshire.  Animated  by  the  patriotic  resistance  of  the 
Americans,  immediately  upon  being  informed  of  the  battle,  he 
assembled  the  inhabitants,  and  observed  that  the  time  had  now 
arrived,  when  the  rights  of  the  American  people  must  be 
vindicated  by  arms,  or  an  odious  despotism  would  for  ever  be 
riveted  upon  them.  The  militia  had  already  gathered;  and 
impressed  with  these  sentiments,  a  company  of  65  men,  armed 
and  accoutred,  paraded  at  10  o'clock  of  the  next  day  after  the 
battle  of  Lexington.  Dearborn  advanced  with  them  in  such 
rapidity,  that  thoy  reached  Cambridge  common,  a  distance  of 
iifty  miles,  in  twenty  hours.  After  remaining  at  Cambridge 
for  several  days,  there  being  no  immediate  occasion  for  their 
services,  they  returned.  Dearborn  was  soon  after  commission- 
ed a  captain  in  one  of  the  New-Hampshire  regiments,  under 
the  command  of  Colonel  Stark,  and  such  was  his  popularity 
and  the  confidonm  of  iho  people  in  bis  bravery  and  conduct 


70  JIENRY  DEARBORN*. 

that  in  ten  days  from  the  time  he  received  his  commission,  he 
enlisted  'a  full  company,  and  again  marched  to  Cambridge. 
On  the  glorious  seventeenth  of  June,  information  was  received 
at  Mystic  (now  Medford)  where  Dearborn  was  stationed,  that 
the  British  were  preparing  to  come  out  from  Boston,  and  storm 
the  works  which  had  been  thrown- up  on  Breed's  Hill  the  night 
before,  by  the  Americans. 

The  regiment  to  which  he  was  attached  was  immediatelv 
paraded,  and  marched  to  Charlesfown  Neck.  Dearborn's 
company  composed  the  flank  guard  to  the  regiment.  They 
crossed  the  Neck  under  a  galling  fire  from  the  British  men  of 
war  and  floating  batteries,  and  having  sustained  some  loss, 
arrived  at  the  heights.  The  action  soon  commenced,  and  the 
Americans  stood  their  ground  until  their  amunition  was  expend- 
ed, and  they  could  no  longer  beat  off  the  British  bayonets  with 
the  but-ends  of  their  muskets.  Dearborn  carried  a  fusee  into 
the  battle  of  Bunker's  Hill,  and  fired  regularly  with  his  men. 

The  next  arduous  service  in  which  he  was  engaged,  was  the 
expedition  to  Canada,  through  the  wilds  of  Kennebec,  under 
the  command  of  General  Arnold.  He  was  not  ordered  on 
this  dangerous  and  difficult  service,  but  persuaded  a  captain, 
who  was  drafted,  to  exchange  places  with  him.  Thirty-tWo 
days  were  employed  in  traversing  the  hideous  wilderness  be- 
tween the  settlements  on  the  Kennebec  and  the  Chaudiere,  in 
which  every  hardship  and  fatigue,  of  which  human  nature 
is  capable,  was  endured  indiscriminately  by  the  officers  and 
troops.  On  the  highlands,  between  the  Kennebec  and  St. 
Lawrence,  the  remnant  of  provisions  was  divided  among  the 
companies,  who  were  directed  to  make  the  best  of  their  way 
in  separate  divisions  to  the  settlement  of  Chaudiere.  The 
last  payment  of  food  in  Dearborn's  company  was  shortly  con- 
sumed, and  he  was  reduced  to  the  extremity  of  dividing  a 
large  dog  which  accompanied  him,  with  his  associates.  When 
they  reached  the  Chaudiere,  from  colds,  extreme  hardship,  and" 
want  of  sustenance,  his  strength  failed  him,  and  he  was  unable 
to  walk  but  a  short  distance  without  walking  into  the  river  to 
fefrigeraU'  and  stimulate  his  limbs.     With  difficulty  he  reach- 


HENRY  DEARBORN.  77 

ed  a  poor  hut,  on  the  Chaudiere,  where  he  told  his  men  he 
could  accompany  them  no  further,  animated  them  forward  to 
a  glorious  discharge  of  their  duty,  and  would  suffer  no  one  to 
remain  to  attend  him  in  his  illness.  His  company  left  him 
with  tears  in  their  eyes,  expecting  to  see  him  no  more.  Dear- 
born was  here  seized  with  a  violent  fever,  during  which  his 
life  was  in  danger  for  teu  days,  without  physician  or  medicine, 
and  with  scarcely  the  common  necessaries  of  life. — His  fine 
constitution  at  last  surmounted  his  disease,  and  as  soon  as  he 
was  able  to  mount  a  horse,  he  proceeded  to  Point  Levi,  crossed 
over  to  Wolf's  Cove,  and  made  his  unexpected  appearance  at 
the  head  of  his  company  a  few  days  before  the  assault  on  Quebec, 
At  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  31st  December,  in  a  severe 
snow  storm,  and  in  a  climate  that  vies  with  Norway  in  temped 
and  in  intense  cold,  the  attack  was  commenced.  Dearborn 
was  attached  to  the  corps  under  General  Arnold,  who  was 
wounded  early  in  the  action,  and  carried  from  the  field.  Mor- 
gan succeeded  to  the  command,  and  "with  a  voice  louder 
than  the  tempest,",  animated  the  troops  as  they  stormed  the 
first  barrier  and  entered  the  town.  Montgomery  had  already 
bled  on  immortal  ground,  and  his  division  being  repulsed,  the 
corps  under  Morgan  was  exposed  to  a  sanguinary  but  unavail- 
ing contest.  From  the  windows  of  the  store-houses,  each  a 
castle,  and  from  the  tops  of  the  parapets,  a  destructive  fire  was 
poured  upon  the  assailants.  In  vain  was  the  second  barrier 
gained  by  scaling  ladders;  double  ranks  of  soldiers  presented 
a  forest  of  bayonets  below,  and  threatened  inevitable  destruc- 
tion to  any  one  who  should  leap  from  the  walls.  Dearborn 
maintained  for  a  long  time  this  desperate  warfare,  until  at  last 
he  and  the  remnant  of  his  company,  were  overpowered  by  a 
sortie  of  200  men,  with  field  pieces,  who  attacked  him  in  front 
and  rear,  in  a  short  street,  and  compelled  him  to  surrender. 
The  whole  corps,  originally  led  on  by  Arnold,  wore  killed  or 
made  prisoners  of  war. 

Dearborn  was  now  put  into  rigid  confinement,  with  a  num- 
ber of  other  officers,  who  were  not  allowed  to  converse  with 
each  other,  unless  in  the  presence  of  the  officer  of  the  guard. 


87  HENRY  DEARBORN. 

While  n»  prison  he  was  urgently  solicited  by  the  English  offi- 
cers to  join  the  British;  was  promised  a  colonel's  commission 
if  he  would  accept,  and  was  assured  if  he  refused,  that  he  would 
be  sent  out  to  England  in  the  spring,  and  be  inevitably  hanged 
as  a  rebel.  The  only  reply  he  made  to  their  solicitations'  or 
menaces,  was,  th^it  he  had  taken  up  arms  in  defence  of  the 
liberties  and  the  rights  of  his  country;  that  he  never  would 
disgrace  himself,  or  dishonor  his  profession  by  receiving  any 
appointment  under  Great  Britain,  but  was  ready  to  meet  death 
in  any  shape  rather  than  relinquish  the  glorious  cause  he  had 
espoused. 

In  May,  1776,  Colonel  Meigs  and  himself  were  peufnitted  to 
return  on  their  parole.  They  were  sent  round  to  Halifax  in  a 
ship  of  war,  and  treated  with  the  usual  contempt  and  hauteur 
of  English  officers,  who  would  not  deign  to  speak  to  Americans,, 
nor  even  allow  them  to  walk  the  same  side  of  the  quarter  deck 
with  themselves.  They  were  put  ashore  in  Penobscot  Bay, 
and  returned  by  land.  In  the  March  following  Dearborn  was 
exchanged,  and  appointed  Major  to  the  3d  New-Hampshire 
regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel  Scammell.  In  May  he  arri- 
ved at  Ticonderoga,  and  was  constantly  in  tlie  rear  guard,  skir- 
mishing with  the  British  and  Indians,  in  the  retreat  of  St.  Clair, 
when  pressed  on  by  Burgoyne's  army. 

When  the  advance  of  Burgoyne  was  checked,  and  he  en- 
camped on  the  heights  of  Saratoga,  Dearborn  was  appointed 
Lieut.  Col.  commandant  of  a  parlizan  corps  of  300  men,  sta- 
tioned in  front,  to  act  as  a  corps  of  observation  in  concert  with 
Morgan's  riflemen.  In  the  famous  engagement  of  the  19th  of 
September,  Colonel  Morgan  himself  commenced  the  encounter 
by  driving  in  the  out-posts  and  picket-guards  of  the  right  wing 
of  the  British  army,  which  was  commanded  by  General  Bur- 
goyne in  person.  In  the  hard  fought  battle  of  the  7th  of  Oc- 
tober, he  was  in  the;  division  of  General  Arnold,  who  commen- 
ced a  furious  and  persevering  attack  on  the  right  wing  of  the 
British  forces.  Whilst  Arnold  pressed  hard  on  the  enemy, 
Dearborn  was  ordered  to  pass  the  right,  and  take  possession  of 
eight  heavy  cannon,  which  played  over  the  British  into  the 


HENRY  DEARBORN.  ^ 

American  lines.  In  executing  this  order  he  was  charged  by 
a  carps  of  light  infantry,  which  he  repulsed  with  fixed  bayo- 
nets, gained  the  eminence,  took  the  cannon  and  the  corps  of 
artillery  attached  to  them}  and  having  disposed  of  them,  made 
a  rapid  movement  into  the  rear  of  the  British  lines,  and  gave 
a  full  fire  before  his  approach  was  discovered.  The  British 
were  soon  after  forced  to  a.  pecipitate  retreat,  and  Dearborn 
assisted  in  storming  their  works  through  the  whole  extent, 
under  a  tremendous  fire  of  grape  and  musketry.  Arnold  was 
wounded  in  the  same  leg,  which  suffered  when  Dearborn  fol- 
lowed him  to  the  assault  of  Quebec,  and  was  repulsed  from 
the  works  after  having  gained  a  temporary  possession  of 
them;  but  Lieutenant-Colonel  Brooks  having  gained  the  left 
of  the  encampment,  was  enabled  to  maintain  his  ground.  Du- 
ring the  long  contested  battle,  which  decided  the  fate  of  Bur- 
goyne's  army,  Dearborn  was  unable  to  rest,  or  take  any  refresh- 
ments, from  daylight  until  late  at  night.  The  succeeding  winter 
lie  passed  in  camp  at  Valley  Forge,  with  the  main  body  of  the 
American  army,  commanded  by  General  Washington  in  person. 
At  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  the  spirited  conduct  of  Colonel 
Dearborn,  and  the  corps  under  his  command,  attracted  particu- 
larly the  attention  of  the  commander-in-chief.  After  Lee  had 
made  a  precipitate  and  unexpected  retreat,  Washington,  among 
other  measures  which  he  took  to  check  the  advance  of  the 
British,  ordered  Dearborn  with  350  men,  to  attack  a  body  of 
troops  which  were  passing  through  an  orchard  on  the  right 
wing  of  the  enemy.  The  Americans  advanced  under  a  hea- 
vy fire,  with  a  rapid  movement,  and  shouldered  arms. — The 
enemy  filed  off  and  formed  on  the  edge  of  a  morass;  the  Ame- 
ricans wheeled  to  the  right,  received  their  second  fire  with 
shouldered  arms;  marched  up  until  within  eight  rods,  dressed, 
gave  a  full  fire,  and  charged  bayonets.  The  British  having 
sustained  considerable  loss,  fled  with  precipitation  across  the 
morass,  where  they  were  protected  by  the  main  body  of  the 
army.  "  What  troops  are  those?"  inquired  Washington,  with 
evident  pleasure  at  their  gallant  conduct: — "Full  blooded 
Yankees  from  New-Hampshire,  sir."  replied  Dearborn." 


80  EVAN  EDWARDS 

When  the  disaffection  and  treason  of  Arnold  transpired,  he 
was  stationed  at  West  Point,  and  was  officer  of  the  day  at  the 
execution  of  Major  Andre. 

In  1781,  he  was  appointed  Deputv-Quartermaster-General, 
with  the  rank  of  Colonel,  and  served  in  that  capacity  at  the 
siege  of  Yorktown.  In  short,  there  was  scarcely  a  battle  ber 
tween  Yorktown  and  Quebec,  during  the  long  protracted  war, 
^n  which  Colonel  Dearborn  did  not  take  a  brave,  active,  and 
conspicuous  part. 


EVAN   EDWARDS, 

Major  in  the  American  Army. 

« 
The  following  interesting  account  is  taken  fro'm  Garden's 

"Anecdotes  of  the  Revolutionary  War." 

"  Among  the  meritorious  officers  who  gained  distinction  in 
the  service,  there  were  few  who  better  deserved,  or  in  a  more 
extensive  degree  obtained  the  respect  of  the  public,  and  affec- 
tionate esteem  of  his  military  associates,  than  Major  Edwards. 

"  The  Major  was  of  the  Baptist  persuasion,  and  originally 
designed  for  the  Ministry,  but  imbibing  the  military  spirit  of  the 
times,  entered  the  army,  and  appeared,  at  the  commencement 
of  the  war,  as  one  of  the  defenders  of  Fort  Washington.  A 
brave  and  stubborn  resistance  could  not  save  the  post,  which 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  Edwards  became  a  pri- 
ioner.  I  have  often  heard  him  make  a  jest  of  the  whimsical 
and  fantastical  figure  which  he  exhibited  on  this  occasion.  'It 
was  not  to  be  wondered,'  he  said, '  that  starch  in  person,  ema- 
ciated as  an  anatomy,  with  rueful  countenance,  rendered  more 
ghastly  by  misfortune,  my  dress  partly  military,  but  showing 
much  of  a  clerical  cut,  that  the  risibility  of  the  conqueror? 
should  have  been  very  highly  excited.  One  of  the  leaders, 
however,  of  the  successful  assailants,  anxious  to  excite  a  still 
tiigher  degree  of  merriment,  ordered- me  to  ascend  a  cart,  and 
as  a  genuine  specimen  of  a  rebel  officer,  directed  that  I  should 
be  paraded  through   the  principal  streets  of  Nrw-Yorlc\     It 


EVAN  EDWARDS.  81 

was  at  the  entrance  of  Canvass  Town,  that  I  was  much  amu- 
sed by  the  exclamation  of  a  Scottish  female  follower  of  the 
camp,  who  called  to  a  companion — 'Quick,  quick,  lassie,  rin 
hither  a  wee,  and  devarteyoursel',  they've  cotch'd  a  braw  and 
bonny  rebel,  'twill  do  ye  guid  to  laugh  at  him.'  Hooting  and 
derision  attended  my  whole  career,  and  at  the  conclusion  of 
the  farce  I  was  committed  to  prison.' 

"  In  the  eventful  changes  of  the  war  it  so  happened,  that  the 
very  individual  who  had  so  ungenerously  abused  his  power, 
became  a  captive,  experiencing  the  additional  mortification  of 
yielding  his  sword  into  the  hands  of  the  man  so  lately  treated 
with  scornful  indignity.  Struck  with  the  singularity  of  the 
rencounter,  and  thoroughly  ashamed  of  his  former  behaviour, 
he  with  frankness  said:  '  You  are  the  last  man,  sir,  that  I  wish- 
ed to  meet  on  such  an  occasion,  for  no  one  have  I  ever  so  want- 
only offended ;  from  you  I  have  nothing  to  look  for  but  merited 
retaliation.'  'Not  a  word  more  on  the  subject,  I  beseech  you, 
sir,  was  the  reply  of  ^Edwards, '  the  surrender  of  your  sword 
destroyed  every  recollection  of  former  animosity:  rest  assur- 
ed, therefore,  that  while  you  remain  with  us,  it  will  be  equally 
my  pride  and  pleasure  to  sooth  the  pains  of  captivity,  and  to 
render  you  every  service  in  my  power.' 

"The  cheerful  disposition  of  Edwards,  rendered  him,  as  I 
have  already  stated,  an  universal  favourite.  The  occasional 
indulgence  of  satirical  propensities,  peculiarly  so  of  General 
Charles  Lee,  who  made  him  his  Aid-de-Camp,  and  at  his  death 
left  him  a  third  of  his  estate.  I  never  knew  him,  however, 
make  an  ill-natured  remark,  where  he  was  not  provoked  to  do 
so — then,  indeed,  he  spared  not. 

"  A  Colonel  in  the  army,  who  was  too  much  inclined  to  be 
poetical  in  his  prose,  telling  Edwards,  that  he  had  heard  a  re- 
port concerning  him,  that  had  greatly  amused  him,  the  Major 
assured  him  that  it  was  altogether  without  foundation.  'O, 
no,'  said  the  Colonel,  "deny  it  not — it  must  be  true,  and  I 
will  report  and  give  it  currency.'  'Thank  you,  thank  you, 
kind  Sir,'  rejoined  Edwards,  ^your  doing  so,  will  save  me  the 
trouble  of  contradicting  it.'  " 
11 


(82) 

CHRISTOPHER    GADSDEN, 

Brigadier-General,  and  Lieutenant-Governor  of  South  Carolina. 

This  venerable  patriot  of  the  revolution,  was  born  in 
Charleston,  about  the  year  1724.  He  was  sent  to  England  by 
his  father,  while  a  youth,  where  he  was  educated.  At  the 
age  of  sixteen  he  returned  to  Carolina,  and  finished  his  educa- 
tion in  the  counting  house  of  Mr.  Lawrence  of  Philadelphia. 

General  Gadsden  had  naturally  a  strong  love  for  indepen- 
dence. He  was  born  a  republican.  Under  a  well  ordered 
government,  he  was  a  good  subject,  but  could  not  brook  the 
encroachments  of  any  man,  or  body  of  men  to  entrench  on  his 
rights. 

"As  early  as  1766,"  says  Judge  Johnson,  "there  was  at  least 
one  man  in  South  Carolina,  who  foresaid  and  foretold  the  views 
of  the  British  government,  and  explicitly  urged  his  adherents 
to  the  resolution,  to  resist  even  to  death.  General  Gadsden, 
it  is  well  known,  always  favoured  the  most  decisive  and  ener- 
getic measures.  He  thought  it  folly  to  temporize,  and  insisted 
that  cordial  reconciliation,  on  honourable  terms,  was  impos- 
sible. When  the  news  of  the  repeal  of  the  stamp-act  arrived, 
and  the  whole  community  was  in  ecstacy  at  the  event,  he,  on 
the  contrary,  received  it  with  indignation,  and  privately  con- 
vening a  party  of  his  friends,  he  harangued  them  at  consider- 
able length  on  the  folly  of  relaxing  their  opposition  and  vigif 
lance,  or  indulging  the  fallacious  hope,  that  Great  Britain 
would  relinquish  her  designs,  or  pretensions.  He  drew  their 
attention  to  the  preamble  of  the  act,  and  forcibly  pressed  upon 
them  the  absurdity  of  rejoicing  at  an  act  that  still  asserted  and 
maintained  the  absolute  dominion  over  them.  And  then  re- 
viewing all  the  chances  of  succeeding  in  a  struggle  to  break 
The  fetters,  when  again  imposed  upon  them,  he  pressed  them 
to  prepare  their  minds  for  the  event.  The  address  was  re- 
ceived with  silent  but  profound  devotion,  and  with  linked 
hands,  the  whole  party  pledged  themselves  to  resist;  a  pledge 
that  was  faithfully  redeemed,  when  the  hour  of  trial  arrived." 


CHRISTOPHER  GADSDEN.  8S 

"In  June  1775,  when  the  provincial  congress  determined  to 
raise  troops,  Gadsden,  though  absent  on  public  duty  at  Phila- 
delphia, was,  without  his  consent  or  knowledge,  elected  colonel 
of  the  first  regiment.  For  personal  courage  he  was  inferior 
to  no  man.  In  knowledge  of  the  military  art  he  had  several 
equals,  and  some  superiors ;  but  from  the  great  confidence  re- 
posed in  his  patriotism,  and  the  popularity  of  his  name,  he  was 
put  at  the  head  of  the  new  military  establishment.  He  left 
congress  and  repaired  to  the  camp  in  Carolina,  declaring  that 
"wherever  his  country  placed  him,  whether  in  the  civil  or  mili- 
tary department;  and  if  in  the  latter,  whether  as  corporal  or 
colonel,  he  would  cheerfully  serve  to  the  utmost  of  his  ability.1' 

In  the  next  year  he  was  promoted  by  congress  to  the  rank 
of  brigadier-general.  He  commanded  at  Fort  Johnson,  when 
the  fort  on  Sullivan's  Island  was  attacked;  and  he  was  pre- 
pared to  receive  the  enemy  in  their  progress  to  Charleston. 
The  repulse  of  the  British  prevented  his  coming  into  action. 
Their  retreat  relieved  South  Carolina  from  the  pressure  of 
war  for  two  years.  In  this  period,  Gadsden  resigned  his  mili- 
tary command,  but  continued  to  serve  in  the  assembly  and  the 
privy  council,  and  was  very  active  in  preparing  for  and  endea- 
vouring to  repel  the  successive  invasions  of  the  state  by  the 
British  in  1779,  and  1780.  He  was  the  friend  of  every  vigo- 
rous measure,  and  always  ready  to  undertake  the  most  labo- 
rious duties,  and  to  put  himself  in  the  front  of  danger. 

When  Charleston  surrendered  by  capitulation,  he  was  lieu- 
tenant-governor, and  paroled  as  such,  and  honourably  kept  his 
engagement.  For  the  three  months  which  followed,  he  was 
undisturbed;  but  on  the  defeat  of  Gates  in  August  1780,  the 
British  resolved  that  he  and  several  others  who  discovered  no 
disposition  to  return  to  the  condition  of  British  subjects,  should 
be  sent  out  of  the  country.  He  was  accordingly  taken  in  his 
own  house  by  a  file  of  soldiers,  and  put  on  board  a  vessel  in 
the  harbour.  He  knew  not  why  he  was  taken  up,  nor  what 
was  intended  to  be  done  with  him,  but  supposed  it  was  intro- 
ductory to  a  trial  for  treason  or  rebellion,  as  the  British  gave 
out  that  the  country  was  completely  conquered. 


84  CHRISTOPHER  GADSDEN. 

He  was  soon  joined  by  twenty-eight  compatriots,  who  were 
also  taken  up  on  the  same  day. 

He  drew  from  his  pocket  half  a  dollar,  and  turning  to  his 
associates  with  a  cheerful  countenance,  assured  them  that  was 
all  the  money  he  had  at  his  command.  The  conquerors  sent 
him  and  his  companions  to  St.  Augustine,  then  a  British  garrison. 

On  their  landing,  limits  of  some  extent  were  offered  to  them 
on  condition  of  their  renewing  the  parole  they  had  given  in 
Charleston,  "to  do  nothing  injurious  to  the  British  interest." 
When  this  was  tendered  to  General  Gadsden,  he  replied, "that 
he  had  already  given  one,  and  honorably  observed  it;  that  in 
violation  of  his  rights  as  a  prisoner  under  a  capitulation,  he  had 
been  sent  from  Charleston,  and  that  therefore  he  saw  no  use  in 
giving  a  second  parole."  The  commanding  officer  replied,  "he 
would  enter  into  no  arguments,  but  demanded  an  explicit  an- 
swer whether  he  would  or  would  not  renew  his  parole."  Gene- 
ral Gadsden  answered  with  that  high-minded  republican  spirit 
which  misfortunes  could  not  keep  down,  "I  will  not.  In  God 
I  put  my  trust,  and  fear  no  consequences."  "Think  better  of 
it,  sir,"  said  the  officer,  "a  second  refusal  will  fix  your  destiny; 
a  dungeon  will  be  your  future  habitation."  "  Prepare  it  then," 
said  the  inflexible  patriot,  "I  will  give  no  parole,  so  help  me 
God" — He  was  instantly  hurried  off  to  the  eastle,  and  there 
confined  for  ten  months  in  a  small  room,  and  in  a  state  of  com- 
plete separation  from  his  fellow-prisoners,  and  in  total  igno- 
rance of  the  advantages  gained  by  his  countrymen,  but  with 
most  ample  details  of  their  defeats,  and  particularly  of  the 
sequestration  of  his  estate  with  that  of  the  other  Carolina 
rebels. 

After  Andre's  arrest,  Colonel  Glazier,  the  governor  of  the 
castle,  sent  to  advise  General  Gadsden  to  prepare  himself  for 
the  worst,  intimating  that  as  General  Washington  had  been 
assured  of  retaliation,  if  Andre  was  executed,  it  was  not  un 
likely  that  he  would  be  the  person  selected.  To  this  message 
he  magnanimously  replied,  "  That  he  was  always  prepared  to 
die  for  his  country,  and  that  he  would  rather  ascend  the  scaffold 
than  purchase  with  his  life  the  dishonour  of  his  country" 


CHRISTOPHER  GADSDEN.  85 

"In  the  course  of  1781,  the  victories  of  General  Greene 
procured  an  equivalent  for  the  release  of  all  the  prisoners  be- 
longing to  South  Carolina.  Mr.  Gadsden  was  discharged  from 
close  confinement  and  rejoined  his  fellow-prisoners.  The  re- 
ciprocal congratulations  on  the  change  of  circumstances  and 
on  seeing  each  other  after  ten  months  separation,  though  in  the 
same  garrison,  may  be  more  easily  conceived  than  expressed. 
They  were  all  conveyed  by  water  from  St.  Augustine  to  Phila- 
delphia, and  there  delivered.  On  their  arrival  they  were  iii- 
foTmed,  fOr  the  first  time,  of  the  happy  turn  American  affairs 
had  taken  subsequent  to  Gates's  defeat.  General  Gadsdei 
hastened  back  to  Carolina  to  aid  in  recovering  it  from  th2 
British.  He  was  elected  a  member  of  the  assembly  which 
met  at  Jacksonborough  in  1 782. 

General  Gadsden  continued  in  the  country  throughout  the 
year  1782,  serving  as  one  of  the  governor's  council.  On  the 
14th  of  December,  1782,  he  with  the  American  army  and 
citizens,  made  their  triumphant  entry  into  Charleston  in  the 
rear  of  the  evacuating  British.  In  the  first  moment  of  his  re- 
turn, after  an  absence  of  more  than  two  years,  he  had  the  plea- 
sure of  seeing  the  British  fleet,  upward  of  300  sail,  in  the  act 
of  departing  from  the  port,  and  the  capital,  as  well  as  the 
country,  restored  to  its  proper  owners.  Mr.  Gadsden  hence- 
forward devoted  himself  to  private  pursuits,  but  occasionally 
served  in  the  assembly,  and  with  unspeakable  delight  in  the 
ftvo  state  conventions ;  the  one  for  the  ratification  of  the  na- 
tional constitution  in  1788,  and  the  other  for  revising  the  state 
constitution  in  1790. 

He  survived  his  81st  year,  generally  enjoying  good  health, 
and  at  last  died  more  from  the  consequences  of  an  accidental 
fall  than  the  weight  of  disease  or  decays  of  nature. 

His  opinions  of  lawyers  were  not  favourable.  He  consider- 
ed their  pleadings  as  generally  tending  to  obscure  what  was 
plain,  and  to  make  difficulties  where  there  were  none  j  and 
much  more  subservient  to  render  their  trade  lucrative  than  to 
advance  justice.  He  adhered  to  that  clause  of  Mr.  Locke's 
fundamental  constitution,  which  makes  it "  a  base  and  vile  thing 


80  HORATIO  GATES. 

to  plead  for  money  or  reward;"  and  wished  that  the  lawyers, 
when  necessary  to  justice,  should  be  provided  with  salaries  at 
the  public  expense,  like  the  judges,  that  they  might  be  saved 
from  the  shame  of  hiring  their  tongues  to  the  first  who  offered 
or  gave  the  largest  fee.  Of  physicians  he  thought  very  little. 
He  considered  temperance  and  exercise  superior  to  all  their  pre- 
scriptions, and  that  in  most  cases  they  rendered  them  altogether 
unnecessary.  In  many  things  he  was  particular.  His  passions 
yere  strong,  and  required  all  his  religion  and  philosophy  to 
curb  them.  His  patriotism  was  both  disinterested  and  ardent. 
He  declined  all  offices  of  profit,  and  through  life  refused  to 
take  the  compensations  annexed  by  law  to  such  offices  of  trust 
as  were  conferred  on  him.  His  character  was  impressed  with 
ihe  hardihood  of  antiquity;  and  he  possessed  an  erect,  firm, 
intrepid  mind,  which  was  well  calculated  for  buffeting  with 
revolutionary  storms.'1'* 


HORATIO   GATES, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army 

6teneral  Gates  was  a  native  of  England,  and  was  born  in 
the  year  1728.  He  was  educated  to  the  military  profession, 
and  entered  the  British  army  at  an  early  age,  in  the  capacity 
of  lieutenant,  where  he  laid  the  foundation  of  his  future  mili- 
tary excellence.  Without  purchase  he  obtained  the  rank  of 
Major.  He  was  aid  to  General  Monckton,  at  the  capture  of 
Martinico,  and  after  the  peace  of  Aix  la  Chapelle  he  was 
among  the  first  troops  which  landed  at  Halifax  under  General 
Comwallis.  He  was  an  officer  in  the  army  which  accompa- 
nied the  unfortunate  Braddock,  in  the  expedition  against  Fort 
du  Quesne,  in  the  year  1755,  and  was  shot  through  the  body. 

When  peace  was  concluded,  he  purchased  an  estate  in  Vir- 
ginia, where  he  resided  until  the  commencement  of  the  Ame- 
rican war,  in  1775.  Having  evinced  his  zeal  and  attachment 
to  the  violated  rights  of  his  adopted  country,  and  sustaining  a 

*  Ramsey's  Hist.  South  Carolina. 


HORATIO  GATES.  8"/ 

high  military  reputation,  he  was  appointed  by  congress  adjutant 
general,  with  the  rank  of  brigadier,  and  he  accompanied  Gen. 
Washington  to  the  American  camp  at  Cambridge,  in  July,  1775, 
where  he  was  employed  for  some  time  in  a  subordinate,  but 
highly  useful  capacity. 

In  June,  1776,  Gates  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
army  of  Canada,  and  on  reaching  Ticonderoga  he  still  claimed 
the  command  of  it,  though  it  was  no  longer  in  Canada,  and  was 
in  the  department  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  a  senior  officer,  who  had 
rendered  eminent  services  in  that  command.  On  representa- 
tion to  Congress,  it  was  declared  not  to  be  their  intention  to 
place  Gates  over  Schuyler,  and  it  was  recommended  to  these 
officers  to  endeavour  to  co-operate  harmoniously.  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler was,  however,  shortly  after  directed  by  Congress  to  resume 
the  command  of  the  northern  department,  and  General  Gates 
withdrew  himself  from  it;  after  which  he  repaired  to  head- 
quarters, and  joined  the  army  under  General  Washington  in 
Jersey. 

Owing  to  the  prevalent  dissatisfaction  with  the  conduct  of 
General  Schuyler,  in  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga,*  Gates 
was  again  directed  to  take  command.  He  arrived  about 
the  21st  of  August,  and  continued  the  exertions  to  restore  the 
affairs  of  the  department,  which  had  been  so  much  depressed 
by  the  losses  consequent  on  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga. 
It  was  fortunate  for  General  Gates,  that  the  retreat  from  Ti- 
conderoga had  been  conducted  under  other  auspices  than  his, 
and  that  he  took  the  command  when  the  indefatigable,  but 
unrequited  labours  of  Schuyler,  and  the  courage  of  Stark  and 
his  mountaineers,  had  already  ensured  the  ultimate  defeat  of 
Burgoyne. 

Burgoyne,  after  crossing  the  Hudson,  advanced  along  its  side 
and  encamped  on  the  height,  about  two  miles  from  Gates's  camp : 
which  was  three  miles  above  Stillwater.  This  movement  was 
the  subject  of  much  discussion.  Some  charged  it  on  the  im- 
petuosity of  the  general,  and  alleged  that  it  was  premature, 
before  he  was  sure  of  aid  from  the  royal  forces  posted  in 
*Vide  Biog.  of  General  Schuyler. 


88  HORATIO  GATES. 

New  York;  but  he  pleaded  the  peremptory  orders  of  his  su- 
perior?. The  rapid  advance  of  Burgoyne,  and  especially  his 
passage  of  the  North  River,  added  much  to  the  impracticabil- 
ity of  his  future  retreat,  and  made  the  ruin  of  his  army  in  a 
great  degree  unavoidable.  The  Americans,  elated  with  their 
successes  at  Bennington  and  Fort  Schuyler,  thought  no  more 
of  retreating,  but  came  out  to  meet  the  advancing  British,  and 
engaged  them  with  firmness  and  resolution. 

The  attack  began  a  little  before  mid-day,  September  19 A, 
between  the  scouting  parties  of  the  two  armies.  The  com- 
manders of  both  sides  supported  and  reinforced  their  respec- 
tive parties.  The  conflict,  though  severe,  was  only  partial  for 
an  hour  and  a  half;  but  after  a  short  pause,  it  became  general, 
and  continued  for  three  hours  without  any  intermission.  A 
constant  blaze  of  fire  was  kept  up,  and  both  armies  seemed 
determined  on  death  or  victory.  The  Americans  and  British 
alternately  drove,  and  were  driven  by  each  other.  The  British 
artillery  fell  into  our  possession,  at  every  charge,  but  we  could 
neither  turn  the  pieces  upon  the  enemy  nor  bring  them  off,  so 
sudden  were  the  alternate  advantages.  It  was  a  gallant  con- 
flict, in  which  death,  by  familiarity,  lost  his  terrors;  and  such 
was  the  order  of  the  Americans,  that,  as  General  Wilkinson 
states,  the  wounded  men,  after  having  their  wounds  dressed,  in 
many  instances  returned  again  into  the  battle.  Men,  and  par- 
ticularly officers,  -dropped  every  moment,  and  on  every  side. 
Several  of  the  Americans  placed  themselves  on  high  trees,  and. 
as  often  as  they  could  distinguish  an  officer's  uniform,  took  him 
off  by  deliberately  aiming  at  his  person.  Few  actions  have 
been  characterized  by  more  obstinacy  in  attack  or  defence. 
The  British  repeatedly  tried  their  bayonets,  but  without  their 
usual  success  in  the  use  of  that  weapon. 

The  British  lost  upwards  of  500  men,  including  their  killed, 
wounded,  and  prisoners.  The  Americans,  inclusive  of  the  mis- 
sing, lost  319.  Thirty-six  out  of  forty-eight  British  artillerists 
were  killed  or  wounded.  The  62d  British  regiment,  which 
was  500  strong,  when  it  left  Canada,  was  reduced  t£  60  men, 
and  4  or  5  officers.     In  this  engagement  General  Gates,  assisted 


HORATIO  GATES.  89 

by  Generals  Lincoln  and  Arnold,  commanded  the  American  ar- 
my, and  General  Burgoyne  was  at  the  head  of  his  army,  and 
Generals  Philips,  Reidesel,  and  Frazer,  with  their  respective 
commands,  were  actively  engaged. 

This  battle  was  fought  by  the  general  concert  and  zealous 
co-operation  of  the  corps  engaged,  and  was  sustained  more  by 
individual  courage  than  military  discipline.  General  Arnold, 
who  afterwards  traitorously  deserted  his  country,  behaved  with 
the  most  undaunted  courage,  leading  on  the  troops  and  encou- 
raging them  by  his  personal  efforts  and  daring  exposure.  The 
gallant  Colonel  Morgan  obtained  immortal  honor  on  this  day. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Brooks,  with  the  eighth  Massachusetts  regi- 
ment remained  in  the  field  till  about  eleven  o'clock,  and  was  the 
last  who  retired.  Major  Hull  commanded  a  detachment  of 
three  hundred  men,  who  fought  with  such  signal  ardour,  that 
more  than  half  of  them  were  killed.  The  whole  number  of 
Americans  engaged  in  this  action,  was  about  two  thousand  five 
hundred;  the  remainder  of  the  army,  from  its  unfavourable  situ- 
ation, took  little  or  no  part  in  the  action. 

Each  army  claimed  the  victory,  and  each  believed  himself 
to  have  beaten,  with  only  part  of  its  force,  nearly  the  whole  of 
the  enemy.  The  advantage  however  was  decidedly  in  favour 
of  the  Americans.  In  every  quarter  they  had  been  the  assail- 
ants, and  after  an  encounter  of  several  hours  they  had  not  lost 
a  single  inch  of  ground. 

General  Gates,  whose  numbers  increased  daily,  remained 
on  his  old  ground.  His  right,  which  extended  to  the  river, 
had  been  rendered  unassailable,  and  he  used  great  industry  to 
strengthen  his  left. 

Both  armies  retained  their  position  until  the  7th  of  October; 
Burgoyne,  in  the  hope  of  being  relieved  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton; 
and  Gates  in  the  confidence  of  growing  stronger  every  day,  and 
of  rendering  the  destruction  of  his  enemy  more  certain.  But 
receiving  no  further  intelligence  from  Sir  Henry,  the  British 
General  determined  to  make  one  more  trial  of  strength  with  his 
adversary.  The  following  account  of  the  brilliant  affair  of  the 
7th  of  Oct.  1777,  is  given  in  Thacher's  Military  Journal: 
12 


90  HORATIO  GATES. 

*  I  am  fortunate  enough  to  obtain  from  our  officers  a  particu- 
lar account  of  the  glorious  event,  of  the  7th  inst.  The  advan- 
ced parties  of  the  two  armies  came  into  contact,  about  three 
o'clock  on  Tuesday  afternoon,  and  immediately  displayed  their 
hostile  attitude.  The  Americans  soon  approached  the  royal 
army,  and  each  party  in  defiance  awaited  the  deadly  blow. 
The  gallant  Colonel  Morgan,  at  the  head  of  his  famous  rifle 
corps,  and  Major  Dearborn,  leading  a  detachment  of  infantry, 
commenced  the  action,  and  rushed  courageously  on  the  British 
grenadiers,  commanded  by  Major  Ackland;  and  the  furious  at- 
tack was  firmly  resisted.  In  all  parts  of  the  field,  the  conflict 
became  extremely  arduous  and  obstinate  $  an  unconquerable 
spirit  on  each  side  disdaining  to  yield  the  palm  of  victory. — 
Death  appeared  to  have  lost  his  terrors;  breaches  in  the  ranks 
were  no  sooner  made  than  supplied  by  fresh  combatants,  await- 
ing a  similar  fate.  At  length  the  Americans  press  forward  with 
renewed  strength  and  ardour,  and  compel  the  whole  British 
line,  commanded  by  Burgoyne  himself,  to  yield  to  their  deadly 
fire,  and  they  retreat  in  disorder.  The  German  troops  remain 
firmly  posted  at  their  lines;  these  were  now  boldly  assaulted  by 
Brigadier-General  Learned,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Brooks,  at 
the  head  of  their  respective  commands,  with  such  intrepidity, 
that  the  works  were  carried,  and  their  brave  commander,  Lieut. 
Colonel  Breyman  was  slain.  The  Germans  were  pursued  to 
their  encampment,  which,  with  all  the  equipage  of  the  brigade 
fell  into  our  hands.  Colonel  Cilley,  of  General  Poor's  brigade, 
having  acquitted  himself  honorably,  was  seen  astride  on  a  brass 
field-piece,  exulting  in  the  capture.  Major  Hull  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts line  was  among  those  who  so  bravely  stormed  the  ene- 
my's entrenchment,  and  acted  a  conspicuous  part.  General 
Arnold,  in  consequence  of  a  serious  misunderstanding  with 
General  Gates,  was  not  vested  with  any  command,  by  which  he 
was  exceedingly  chagrined  and  irritated.  He  entered  the  field, 
however,  and  his  conduct  was  marked  with  intemperate  rashness ; 
flourishing  his  sword  and  animating  the  troops,  he  struck  an  offi- 
cer on  the  head  without  cause,  and  gave  him  a  considerable 
wound.     He  exposed  himself  to  every  danger,  and  with  a  small 


HORATIO  GATES  91 

party  of  riflemen,  rushed  into  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  where  he 
received  a  ball  which  fractured  his  leg,  and  his  horse  was  killed 
under  him.  Nightfall  put  a  stop  to  our  brilliant  career,  though 
the  victory  was  most  decisive,  and  it  is  with  pride  and  exulta- 
tion that  we  recount  the  triumph  of  American  bravery.  Be- 
sides Lieutenant-Colonel  Breyman  slain,  General  Frazer,  one 
of  the  most  valuable  officers  in  the  British  service,  was  mor- 
tally wounded,  and  survived  but  a  few  hours.  Frazer  was  the 
soul  of  the  British  army,  and  was  just  changing  the  disposition 
of  a  part  of  the  troops  to  repel  a  strong  impression  which  the 
Americans  had  made,  and  were  still  making,  on  the  British 
right,  when  Morgan  called  together  two  or  three  of  his  best 
marksmen,  and  pointing  to  Frazer  said,  'Do  you  see  that  gal- 
lant officer?  that  is  General  Frazer, — I  respect  and  honor  him; 
but  it  is  necessary  he  should  die.'  This  was  enongh.  Frazer 
immediately  received  his  mortal  wound,  and  was  carried  off  the 
field.  Sir  Francis  Clark,  aid-de-camp  to  General  Burgoyne, 
was  brought  into  our  camp  with  a  mortal  wound,  and  Major 
Ackland,  who  commanded  the  British  grenadiers,  was  wounded 
through  both  legs,  and  is  our  prisoner.  Several  other  officers, 
and  about  two  hundred  privates,  are  prisoners  in  our  hands, 
with  nine  pieces  of  cannon,  and  a  considerable  supply  of  am- 
munition, which  was  much  wanted  for  our  troops.  The  loss  or 
our  side  is  supposed  not  to  exceed  thirty  killed,  and  one  hun- 
dred wounded,  in  obtaining  this  signal  victory." 

The  position  of  the  British  army,  after  the  action  of  the  7th, 
was  so  dangerous  that  an  immediate  and  total  change  of  posi- 
tion became  necessary,  and  Burgoyne  took  immediate  measures 
to  regain  his  former  camp  at  Saratoga.  There  he  arrived,  with 
little  molestation  from  his  adversary.  His  provisions  being  now 
reduced  to  the  supply  of  a  few  days,  the  transports  of  artillery 
and  baggage  towards  Canada,  being  rendered  impracticable  by 
the  judicious  measures  of  his  adversary,  the  British  general 
resolved  upon  a  rapid  retreat,  merely  with  what  the  soldiers 
could  carry.  On  examination,  however,  it  was  found  that  they 
were  deprived  even  of  this  resource,  as  the  passes  through 
which  their  rout  lay,  were  so  strongly  guarded,  that  nothing 


92  HORATIO  GATES. 

but  artillery  could  clear  them.  In  this  desperate  situation  h 
parley  took  place,  and  on  the  16th  of  October,  the  whole  army 
surrendered  to  General  Gates. 

The  prize  obtained  consisted  of  more  than  five  thousand  pri- 
soners, forty -two  pieces  of  brass  ordnance,  seven  thousand  mus- 
kets, clothing  for  seven  thousand  men,  with  a  great  quantity  of 
tents,  and  other  military  stores. 

Soon  after  the  convention  was  signed,  the  Americans  marched 
into  their  lines,  and  were  kept  there  until  the  royal  army  had 
deposited  their  arms  at  the  place  appointed.  The  delicacy 
with  which  this  business  was  conducted,  reflected  honor  on  the 
American  general.  Nor  did  the  politeness  of  Gates  end  here. 
Every  circumstance  was  withheld  that  could  constitute  a  tri- 
umph in  the  American  army.  The  captive  general  was  recei- 
ved by  his  conqueror  with  respect  and  kindness.  A  number  of 
the  principal  officers  of  both  armies  met  at  General  Gates' 
quarters,  and  for  a  while  seemed  to  forget,  in  social  and  convi- 
vial pleasures,  that  they  had  been  enemies. 

Gen.  Wilkinson  gives  the  following  account  of  the  meeting 
between  Gen.  Burgoyne  and  Gen.  Gates: — 

"Gen.  Gates,  advised  of  Burgoyne's  approach,  met  him  at 
the  head  of  his  camp,  Burgoyne  in  a  rich  royal  uniform,  and 
Gates  in  a  plain  blue  frock.  When  they  had  approached  nearly 
within  sword's  length,  they  reined  up  and  halted.  I  then  na- 
med the  gentleman,  and  Gen.  Burgoyne,  raising  his  hat,  most 
gracefully  said,  '  The  fortune  of  war,  Gen.  Gates,  has  made 
me  your  prisoner; '  to  which  the  conqueror,  returning  a  courtly 
salute,  promptly  replied,  'I  shall  always  be  ready  to  bear  tes- 
timony that  it  has  not  been  through  any  fault  of  your  Excel- 
lency.' " 

The  thanks  of  Congress  were  voted  to  Gen.  Gates  and  his 
army ;  and  a  medal  of  gold,  in  commemoration  of  this  great 
event,  was  ordered  to  be  struck,  to  be  presented  to  him  by  the 
president,  in  the  name  of  the  United  States. 

It  was  not  long  after  that  the  wonderful  discovery  was  suppo- 
sed to  be  made,  that  the  illustrious  Washington  was  incompe- 
tent to  the  task  of  conducting  the  operations  of  the  American 


HORATIO  GATES.  93 

army,  and  that  Gen.  Gates,  if  elevated  to  the  chief  command, 
would  speedily  meliorate  the  condition  of  our  affairs.  There 
were  those  that  imputed  to  General  Gates  himself,  a  princi  A 
agency  in  the  affair,  which,  however,  he  promptly  disavowed. 
But  certain  it  is,  that  a  private  correspondence  was  maintained 
between  him  and  the  intriguing  General  Conway,  in  which  the 
measures  pursued  by  General  Washington  are  criticised  and 
reprobated,  and  in  one  of  Conway's  letters,  he  pointedly  as- 
cribes our  want  of  success  to  a  weak  general  and  bad  counsel- 
lors. Gen.  Gates,  on  finding  that  General  Washington  had 
been  apprised  of  the  correspondence,  addressed  his  Excellency, 
requesting  that  he  would  disclose  the  name  of  his  informant, 
and  in  violation  of  the  rules  of  decorum,  he  addressed  the  com- 
mander-in-chief on  a  subject  of  extreme  delicacy  in  an  open 
letter  transmitted  to  the  president  of  congress.  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, however,  did  not  hesitate,  to  disclose  the  name  and  the 
circumstances  which  brought  the  affair  to  light.  Gen.  Gates, 
then,  with  inexcusable  disingenuousness,  attempted  to  vindicate 
the  conduct  of  Conway,  and  to  deny  that  the  letter  contained 
the  reprehensible  expressions  in  question,  but  utterly  refused  to 
produce  the  original  letter.  This  subject,  however,  was  so 
ably  and  candidly  discussed*  by  General  Washington,  as  to  cover 
his  adversary  with  shame  and  humiliation.  It  was  thought 
inexcusable  in  Gates,  that  he  neglected  to  communicate  to  the 
commander-in-chief  an  account  of  so  important  an  event  as  the 
capture  of  the  British  army  at  Saratoga,  but  left  his  Excellency 
to  obtain  the  information  by  common  report. 

Dr.  Thacher,  in  his  Military  Journal,  relates  the  following 

anecdote: — "Mr.  T ,  an  ensign  in  our  regiment,  has,  for 

some  time,  discovered  symptoms  of  mental  derangement. — 
Yesterday  he  intruded  himself  at  Gen.  Gates'  head-quarters, 
and  after  some  amusing  conversation,  he  put  himself  in  the 
attitude  of  devotion,  and  prayed  that  God  would  pardon  Gen. 
Gates  for  endeavoring  to  supersede  that  god-like  man,  Wash- 
ington. The  general  appeared  to  be  much  disturbed,  and 
directed  Mr.  Pierce,  his  aid -de-camp,  to  take  him  away." 

On  the  13th  of  June,  1780,  Gen.  Gates  was  appointed  to  th< 


94  HORATIO  GATES. 

chief  command  of  the  southern  army.  Rich  in  fame  from  the 
fields  of  Saratoga,  he  hastened  to  execute  the  high  and  impor- 
tant trust;  and  the  arrival  of  an  officer  so  exalted  in  reputation, 
had  an  immediate  and  happy  effect  on  the  spirits  of  the  sol- 
diery and  the  hopes  of  the  people.  It  was  anticipated  that  he 
who  had  humbled  Great  Britain  on  the  heights  of  the  Hudson, 
and  liberated  New  York  from  a  formidable  invasion,  would 
prove  no  less  successful  in  the  south,  and  become  the  deliverer 
of  Carolina  and  Georgia  from  lawless  rapine  and  military  rule. 
But  anticipations  were  vain,  and  the  best  founded  hopes  were 
blighted !  In  the  first  and  only  encounter  which  he  had  with 
Lord  Conwallis,  at  Camden,  Aug.  15th,  he  suffered  a  total  de- 
feat, and  was  obliged  to  fly  from  the  enemy  for  personal  safety. 

Proudly  calculating  on  the  weight  of  his  name,  and  too  con- 
fident in  his  own  superiority,  he  slighted  the  counsel  which  he 
ought  to  have  respected,  and  hurrying  impetuously  into  the 
field  of  battle,  his  tide  of  popularity  ebbed  as  fast  at  Camden 
as  it  had  flowed  at  Saratoga.* 

It  would  be  great  injustice,  however,  to  attribute  the  misfor- 
tune altogether  to  the  commander,  under  his  peculiar  circum- 
stances. A  large  proportion  of  his  force  consisted  of  raw  mili- 
tia who  were  panic  struck,  and  fled  at  the  first  fire; — their  rout 
was  absolute  and  irretrievable.  In  vain  did  Gates  attempt  to 
rally  them.  That  their  speed  might  be  the  greater,  they  threw 
away  their  arms  and  accoutrements,  and  dashed  into  the  woods 
and  swamps  for  safety.  A  rout  more  perfectly  wild  and  disor- 
derly, or  marked  with  greater  consternation  and  dismay,  was 
never  witnessed.  Honour,  manhood,  country,  home,  every  re- 
collection sacred  to  the  feelings  of  the  soldier,  and  the  soul  of 
the  brave,  was  merged  in  an  ignominious  love  of  life. 

But  from  the  moment  General  Gates  assumed  the  command 
in  the  south,  his  former  judgment  and  fortune  seemed  to  for- 
sake him.  He  was  anxious  to  come  to  action  immediately, 
and  to  terminate  the  war  by  a  few  bold  and  energetic  mea- 

*When  the  appointment  of  Gen.  Gates  to  the  chief  command  of  the  south- 
ern Army  was  announced,  Gen.  Lee  remarked,  that  "his  northern  luurel? 
would  soon  be  exchanged  for  southern  willows.'''' 


HORATIO  GATES.  05 

sures ;  and  two  days  after  his  arrival  in  camp,  he  began  his 
march  to  meet  the  enemy,  without  properly  estimating  his 
force. 

The  active  spirits  of  the  place  being  roused  and  encouraged, 
by  the  presence  of  a  considerable  army,  and  daily  flocking  to 
the  standard  of  their  country,  General  Gates,  by  a  delay  of 
action,  had  much  to  gain  in  point  of  numbers.  To  the  pros- 
pects of  the  enemy,  on  the  contrary,  delay  would  have  been 
ruinous.  To  them  there  was  no  alternative  but  immediate 
battle  and  victory,  or  immediate  retreat.  Such,  however,  was 
the  nature  of  the  country,  and  the  distance  and  relative  posi- 
tion of  the  two  armies,  that  to  compel  the  Americans  to  action 
was  impossible.  The  imprudence  of  the  American  general  in 
hazarding  an  engagement,  at  this  time,  is  further  manifested 
by  the  fact,  that  in  troops,  on  whose  firmness  he  could  safely 
rely,  he  was  greatly  inferior  to  his  foe,  they  amounting  to  six- 
teen hundred  veteran  and  highly  disciplined  regulars,  and  he 
having  less  than  a  thousand  continentals. 

General  Gates  having  retreated  to  Salisbury,  and  thence  to 
Hillsborough,  he  there  succeeded  in  collecting  around  him  the 
fragments  of  an  army.  Being  soon  after  reinforced  by  seve- 
ral small  bodies  of  regulars  and  militia,  he  again  advanced  to- 
wards the  south,  and  took  post  in  Charlotte.  Here  he  con- 
tinued in  command  until  the  5th  day  of  October,  fifty  days 
after  his  defeat  at  Camden,  when  Congress  passed  a  resolution 
requiring  the  commander-in-chief  to  order  a  court  of  inquiry 
on  his  conduct,  as  commander  of  the  southern  army,  and  to 
appoint  some  other  officer  to  that  command.  The  inquiry  re- 
sulted in  his  acquital:  and  it  was  the  general  opinion  that  he 
was  not  treated  by  congress  with  that  delicacy,  or  indeed  gra- 
titude, that  was  due  to  an  officer  of  his  acknowledged  merit. 
He.  however,  received  the  order  of  his  supersedure  and  sus- 
pension, and  resigned  the  command  to  General  Greene  with 
becoming  dignity,  as  is  manifested,  much  to  his  credit,  in  the 
following  order: — 


■<# 


96  HORATIO  GATES. 

'•''Head-Quarters,  Charlotte,  3d  December,  1780. 
Parole,  Springfield — countersign,  Greene. 

The  honourable  Major-General  Greene,  who  arrived  yester- 
day afternoon  in  Charlotte,  being  appointed  by  his  excellency 
General  Washington,  with  the  approbation  of  the  honourable 
congress,  to  the  command  of  the  southern  army,  all  orders  will, 
for  the  future,  issue  from  him,  and  all  reports  are  to  be  made 
to  him. 

General  Gates  returns  his  sincere  and  grateful  thanks  to  the 
southern  army  for  their  perseverance,  fortitude,  and  patient 
endurance  of  all  the  hardships  and  sufferings  they  have  under- 
gone while  under  his  command.  He  anxiously  hopes  their 
misfortunes  will  cease  therewith,  and  that  victory,  and  the  glo- 
rious advantages  of  it,  may  be  the  future  portion  of  the  south- 
ern army." 

General  Greene  had  already  been,  and  continued  to  be,  the 
firm  advocate  of  the  reputation  of  General  Gates,  particularly 
if  he  heard  it  assailed  with  asperity;  and-  still  believed  and 
asserted,  that  if  there  was  any  mistake  in  the  conduct  of  Gates, 
it  was  in  hazarding  an  action  at  all  against  such  superior  force ; 
and  when  informed  of  his  appointment  to  supersede  him,  de- 
clared his  confidence  in  his  military  talents,  and  his  willing 
ness  "to  serve  under  him." 

General  Gates  was  reinstated  in  his  military  command  in  the 
main  army,  in  1782;  but  the  great  scenes  of  war  were  now 
passed,  and  he  could  only  participate  in  the  painful  scene  of 
a  final  separation. 

In  the  midst  of  his  misfortune,  General  Gates  was  called  to 
mourn  the  afflicted  dispensation  of  Providence,  in  the  death  of 
his  only  son.  Major  Garden,  in  his  excellent  publication,  has 
recorded  the  following  affecting  anecdote,  which  he  received 
from  Dr.  William  Reed: — 

"Having  occasion  to  call  on  General  Gates,  relative  to  the 

business  of  the  department  under  my  immediate  charge,  I  found 

him  traversing  the  apartment  which  he  occupied,  under  the 

ifluence  of  high  excitement;   his  agitation  was  excessive — 

em-ry  feature  of  his  countenance,  every  gesture  betrayed  it. 

would 


HORATIO  GATES.  9? 

Official  despatches  informing  him  that  he  was  superseded,  and 
that  the  command  of  the  southern  army  had  been  transferred 
to  General  Greene,  had  just  been  received  and  perused  by  him. 
His  countenance,  however,  betrayed  no  expression  of  irritation 
or  resentment;  it  was  sensibility  alone  that  caused  his  emotion. 
An  open  letter,  which  he  held  in  his  hand,  was  often  raised  to 
his  lips,  and  kissed  with  devotion,  while  the  exclamation  re- 
peatedly escaped  them — 'Great  man!    Noble,  generous  pro- 
cedure!'    When  the  tumult  of  his  mind  had  subsided,  and  his 
thoughts  found   utterance,  he,  with  strong  expression  of  feel- 
ing, exclaimed:  "I  have  received  this  day  a  communication 
from  the  commander-in-chief,  which  has  conveyed  more  conso- 
lation to  my  bosom,  more  ineffable  delight  to  my  heart,  than  I 
had  believed  it  possible  for  it  ever  to  have  felt  again.     With 
affectionate  tenderness  he  sympathises  with  me  in  my  domes- 
tic misfortunes,  and  condoles  with  me  on  the  loss  I  have  sus- 
tained by  the  recent  death  of  an  only  son;  and  then  with  pecu- 
liar delicacy,  lamenting  my  misfortune  in  battle,  assures  me 
that  his  confidence  in  my  zeal  and  capacity  is  so  little  impair- 
ed, that  the  command  of  the  right  wing  of  the  army  will  be 
bestowed  on  me  so  soon  as  I  can  make  it  convenient  to  join 
him.' " 

After  the  peace,  he  retired  to  his  farm  in  Berkley  county. 
Va.  where  he  remained  until  the  year  1790,  when  he  went  to 
reside  in  New- York,  having  first  emancipated  his  slaves,  and 
made  a  pecuniary  provision  for  such  as  were  not  able  to  pro- 
vide for  themselves.  Some  of  them  would  not  leave  him,  but 
continued  in  his  family. 

On  his  arrival  at  New-York,  the  freedom  of  the  city  was 
presented  to  him.  In  1 800  he  accepted  a  seat  in  the  legisla- 
ture, but  he  retained  it  no  longer  than  he  conceived  his  servi- 
ces might  be  useful  to  the  cause  of  liberty,  which  he  never 
abandoned. 

His  political  opinions  did  not  separate  him  from  many  re- 
spectable citizens,  whose  views  differed  widely  from  his  own 
He  had  a  handsome  person,  and  was  gentlemanly  in  his  man- 
ners, remarkably  courteous  to  all,  and  gave  indisputable  marks 
13 


98  NATHANIEL  GREENE 

of  a  social,  amiable,  and  benevolent  disposition.  A  few  weeks 
before  his  death,  he  closed  a  letter  to  a  friend  in  the  following 
words: — "I  am  very  weak,  and  have  evident  signs  of  an  ap- 
proaching dissolution.  But  I  have  lived  long  enongh,  since  I 
have  to  see  a  mighty  people  animated  with  a  spirit  to  be  free, 
and  governed  by  transcendant  abilities  and  honour."  He  died 
without  posterity,  at  his  abode  near  New- York,  on  the  10th  dav 
of  April,  1806,  aged  78  years. 


NATHANIEL    GREENE, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army 

General  Greene,  although  descended  from  ancestors  of  ele 
vated  standing,  was  not  indebted  to  the  condition  of  his  family, 
for  any  part  of  the  real  lustre  and  reputation  he  possessed.  He 
was  literally  the  founder  of  his  own  fortune,  and  the  author  of 
his  own  fame.  He  was  the  second  son  of  Nathaniel  Greene,  a 
member  of  the  society  of  Friends,  an  anchor-smith. 

He  was  born  in  the  year  1741,  in  the  town  of  Warwick,  and 
County  of  Kent,  in  the  province  of  Rhode-Island.  Being  in- 
tended by  his  father  for  the  business  which  he  himself  pursued, 
young  Greene  received  at  school,  nothing  but  the  elements  of 
a  common  English  education.  But  to  him,  an  education  so  lim- 
ited, was  unsatisfactory.  With  such  funds  as  he  was  able  to 
raise,  he  purchased  a  small,  but  well-selected  library,  and  spent 
his  evenings,  and  all  the  time  he  could  redeem  from  his  father's 
business,  in  regular  study. 

At  a  period  of  life,  unusually  early,  Greene  was  elevated,  by 
a.  very  flattering  suffrage,  to  a  seat  in  the  legislature  of  his  na- 
tive colony.  This  was  the  commencement  of  a  public  career, 
which,  heightening  as  it  advanced,  and  flourishing  in  the  midst 
of  difficulties,  closed  with  a  lustre  that  was  peculiarly  dazzling. 

Thus  introduced  into  the  councils  of  his  country,  at  a  time 
when  the  rights  of  the  subject,  and  the  powers  of  the  ruler, 
were  beginning  to  be  topics  of  liberal  discussion,  he  felt  it  hie 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  ^ 

duty  to  avow  his  sentiments  on  the  momentous  question.  Nor 
did  he  pause  or  waver,  as  to  the  principles  he  should  adopt,  and 
the  decision  he  should  form.  He  was  inflexibly  opposed  to 
tyranny  and  oppression  in  every  shape,  and  manfully  avowed  it. 
But  his  character,  although  forming,  was  not  completely  develo- 
ped uniil  the  commencement  of  the  troubles  which  terminated 
in  our  independence.  It  was  then  that  he  aspired  to  a  head  in 
the  public  councils;  and  throwing  from  him,  as  unsuitable  to 
the  times,  the  peaceful  habits  in  which  he  had  been  educated, 
sternly  declared  for  a  redress  of  grievances,  or  open  resistance. 
This  open  departure  from  the  sectarian  principles  in  which  he 
had  been  educated,  was  followed,  of  course,  by  his  immediate 
dismission  from  the  society  of  Friends. 

The  sword  was  earliest  unsheathed  in  the  colony  of  Massa- 
chusetts ;  and  on  the  plains  of  Lexington  and  Concord,  the  blood 
of  British  soldiers,  and  American  subjects,  mingled  first  in  hos- 
tile strife.  Nor  was  Rhode-Island,  after  that  sanguinary  affair, 
behind  her  sister  colonies,  in  gallantry  of  spirit,  and  prompti- 
tude of  preparation. 

Greene  commenced  his  military  pupilage  in  the  capacity  of 
a  private  soldier,  in  Oct.  1774,  in  a  military  association,  com- 
manded by  James  M.  Varnum,  afterward  brigadier-general. 
But  Rhode-Island  having  in  the  month  of  May,  1775,  raised 
three  regiments  of  militia,  she  placed  them  under  the  command 
of  Greene,  who  without  loss  of  time  conducted  them  to  head- 
quarters, in  the  village  of  Cambridge. 

On  the  2d  of  July,  1775,  General  Washington,  invested  by 
congress  with  the  command  in  chief  of  the  armies  of  his  coun- 
try, arrived  at  Boston.  Greene  availed  himself  of  an  early 
opportunity  amid  the  public  demonstration  of  joy,  to  welcome 
the  commander-in-chief,  in  a  personal  address,  in  which,  with 
much  warmth  of  feeling,  and  kindness  of  expression,  he  avowed 
his  attachment  to  his  person,  and  the  high  gratification  he  deri- 
ved from  the  prospect  of  being  associated  with  him  in  arms, 
and  serving  under  him  in  defence  of  the  violated  rights  of  his 
country. 

This  was  a  happy  prelude  to  a  friendship  between  these  two 


*Q0  NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

great  and  illustrious  officers,  which  death,  alone,  had  the  power 
to  dissolve.  It  is  a  fact  of  notoriety,  that  when  time  and  ac- 
quaintance had  made  him  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  cha- 
racter and  merits  of  General  Greene,  Washington  entertained, 
and  frequently  expressed  an  anxious  wish,  that,  in  case  of  his 
death  he  might  be  appointed  his  successor  to  the  supreme  com- 
mand. 

During  the  investment  of  Boston^  by  the  American  forces,  a 
state  of  things,  which  lasted  for  months,  no  opportunity  pre- 
sented itself  to  Greene,  to  acquire  distinction  by  personal  ex- 
ploit. But  his  love  of  action,  and  spirit  of  adventure,  were 
strongly  manifested ;  for  he  was  one  of  the  few  officers  of  rank, 
who  concurred  with  General  Washington,  in  the  propriety  of 
attempting  to  carry  the  town  by  assault. 

On  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by  the  British,  the  American 
troops  were  permitted  to  repose  from  their  toils,  and  to  ex- 
change for  a  time,  the  hardships  and  privations  of  a  field  en- 
campment, for  the  enjoyment  of  plentyy  in  comfortable  barracks. 
During  this  period  of  relaxation,  Greene  continued  with  una- 
bating  industry,  his  military  studies,  and  as  far  as  opportunity 
served,  his  attention  to  the  practical  duties  of  the  field.  This 
course,  steadily  pursued,  under  the  immediate  supervision  of 
Washington,  could  scarcely  fail  to  procure  rank,  and  lead  to 
eminence.  Accordingly,  on  the  26th  of  August,  1776,  he  was 
promoted  by  congress  to  the  rank  of  major-general  in  the  regu- 
lar army. 

A  crisis,  most  glowing,  and  portentous  to  the  cause  of  free- 
dom, had  now  arrived.  In  the  retreat  which  now  commenced, 
through  New-Jersey,  General  Washington  was  accompanied 
by  General  Greene,  and  received  from  him  all  the  aid,  that  un- 
der circumstances  so  dark  and  unpromising,  talents,  devotion, 
and  firmness  could  afford.  Possessed  alike  of  an  ardent  tem- 
perament, hearts  that  neither  danger  nor  misfortune  could  ap- 
pal, and  an  inspiring  trust  in  the  righteousness  of  their  cause, 
it  belonged  to  the  character  of  these  two  great  and  illustrious 
commanders,  never  for  a  moment  to  despair  of  their  country. 
Hope  and  confidence,  even  now,  beamed  from  their  countenan- 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  101 

ces,  and  they  encouraged  their  followers,  and  supported  them 
under  the  pressure  of  defeat  and  misfortune. 

Greene  was  one  of  the  council  of  Washington,  who  resolved 
on  the  enterprise  of  the  26th  of  December,  1776,  against  the 
post  of  the  enemy  at  Trenton.  The  issue  is  known,  and  is  glo- 
rious in  our  history.  About  one  thousand  Hessians,  in  killed, 
wounded,  and  prisoners,  with  their  arms,  field  equipage,  and  ar- 
tillery, were  the  trophies  of  that  glorious  mornir  g,  which  opened 
on  the  friends  of  American  freedom,  with  the  day-star  of  hope. 
He  was  again  of  the  council  of  the  commander-in-chief,  in  plan- 
ning the  daring  attack  of  the  2d  January,  1777,  on  the  Brit- 
ish garrison  at  Princeton,  as  well  as  his  associate  in  achieving 
its  execution.  In  both  these  brilliant  actions,  his  gallantry, 
prudence,  and  skill  being  alike  conspicuous,  he  received  the 
applauses  of  his  commander.  He  continued  the  associate  and 
most  confidential  counsellor  of  Washington  through  the  gloomy 
and  ominous  period  that  followed. 

In  the  obstinate  and  bloody  battle  of  Brandywine,  General 
Greene,  by  his  distinguished  conduct,  added  greatly  to  his  for- 
mer renown.  In  the  course  of  it,  a  detachment  of  American 
troops  commanded  by  General  Sullivan,  being  unexpectedly 
attacked  by  the  enemy,  retreated  in  disorder.  General  Greene, 
at  the  head  of  Weedon's  Virginia  brigade  flew  to  their  sup- 
port. On  approaching,  he  found  the  defeat  of  General  Sulli- 
van a  perfect  rout.  Not  a  moment  was  to  be  lost.  Throwing 
himself  into  the  rear  of  his  flying  countrymen,  and  retreating 
slowly,  he  kept  up,  especially  from  his  cannon,  so  destructive  a 
fire  as  greatly  to  retard  the  advance  of  the  enemy.  Aiming 
at  length  at  a  narrow  defile,  secured  on  the  right  and  left  by 
thick  woods,  he  halted,  sent  forward  his  cannon,  that  they  might 
be  out  of  danger,  in  case  of  his  being  compelled  to  a  hasty  re- 
treat, and  formed  his  troops,  determined  to  dispute  the  pass 
with  His  small  arms.  This  he  effected  with  complete  success, 
notwithstanding  the  vast  superiority  of  the  assailants;  until  af- 
ter a  conflict  of  more  than  an  hour  and  a  half,  night  came  on, 
and  brought  it  to  a  close.  But  for  this  quick  sighted  interpo- 
sition. Sullivan's  detachment  must  have  been  nearly  annihilated*. 


102  NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

On  this  occasion,  only,  did  the  slightest  misunderstanding 
ever  occur,  between  General  Greene  and  the  commander-in- 
chief.  In  his  general  orders  after  the  battle,  the  latter  neg- 
lected to  bestow  any  special  applause  on  Weedon's  brigade. 
Against  this  General  Greene  remonstrated  in  person. 

General  Washington  replied,  "  You,  Sir,  are  considered  my 
favorite  officer.  Weedon's  brigade,  like  myself,  are  Virgini- 
ans. Should  I  applaud  them  for  their  achievement,  under 
your  command,  I  shall  be  charged  with  partiality:  jealousy  will 
be  excited,  and  the  service  injured." 

"Sir,"  exclaimed  Greene,  with  considerable  emotion,  "I 
trust  your  Excellency  will  do  me  the  justice  to  believe  that  I 
am  not  selfish.  In  my  own  behalf  I  have  nothing  to  ask.  Act 
towards  me  as  you  please;  I  shall  not  complain.  However 
ricaly  I  prize  your  Excellency's  good  opinion  and  applause,  a 
consciousness  that  I  have  endeavored  to  do  my  duty,  constitutes 
at  present,  my  richest  reward.  But  do  not,  Sir,  let  me  entreat 
you,  on  account  of  the  jealousy  that  may  arise  in  little  minds 
withhold  justice  from  the  brave  fellows  I  had  the  honor  to  com- 
mand." 

Convinced  that  prudence  forbade  the  special  notice  request- 
ed, the  commander-in-chief  persisted  in  his  silence.  Greene, 
on  cool  reflection,  appreciated  the  motives  of  his  general,  and 
lost  no  time  in  apologising  for  his  intemperate  manner,  if  not 
for  his  expressions.  Delighted  with  his  frankness  and  magna- 
nimity, Washington  replied  with  a  smile, — "An  officer,  tried 
as  you  have  been,  who  errs  but  once  in  two  years,  deserves 
to  be  forgiven," — With  that  he  offered  him  his  hand  and  the 
matter  terminated. 

Following  General  Greene  in  his  military  career,  he  next 
presents  himself  on  the  plains  of  Germantown.  In  this  daring 
assault  he  commanded  the  left  wing  of  the  American  army, 
and  his  utmost  endeavors  were  used  to  retrieve  the  fortune  of 
the  day,  in  which  his  conduct  met  the  approbation  of  the  com- 
mander-in-chief. Lord  Cornwallis  to  whom  he  was  often  op- 
posed, had  the  magnanimity  to  bestow  upon  him  a  lofty  enco- 
mium.    "  Greene,"  said  he,  "  is  as  dangerous  as  Washington. 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  103 

He  is  vigilant,  enterprising,  and  full  of  resources.  With  but 
little  hope  of  gaining  any  advantage  over  him,  I  never  feel  se- 
cure when  encamped  in  his  neighbourhood." 

At  this  period  the  quarter-master  department  in  the  Ameri- 
can army,  was  in  a  very  defective  and  alarming  condition,  and 
required  a  speedy  and  radical  reform:  and  General  Washington 
declared  that  such  reform  could  be  effected  only  by  the  ap- 
pointment of  a  quarter-master-general,  of  great  resources,  well 
versed  in  business,  and  possessing  practical  talents  of  tfce  first 
order.  When  requested  by  Congress  to  look  out  for  such  an 
officer,  he,  at  once,  fixed  his  eye  on  Gen.  Greene. 

Washington  well  knew  that  the  soul  of  Greene  wasindissolu- 
bly  wedded  to  the  duties  of  line.  Notwithstanding  this,  he  ex- 
pressed in  conversation  with  a  member  of  Congress,  his  entire 
persuasion,  that  if  Gen.  Greene  could  be  convinced  of  his  abil- 
ity to  render  his  country  greater  services  in  the  quarter-master 
department,  than  in  the  field,  he  would  at  once  accept  the  ap- 
pointment. u  There  is  not,"  said  he,  "an  officer  of  the  army, 
nor  a  man  in  America,  more  sincerely  attached  to  the  interests 
of  his  country.  Could  he  best  promote  their  interests,  in  the 
character  of  a  corporal,  he  would  exchange  as  I  firmly  believe, 
without  a  murmur,  the  epaulet  for  the  knot.  For  although  he 
is  not  without  ambition;  that  ambition  has  not  for  its  object  the 
highest  rank,  so  much  as  the  greatest  good.''' 

When  the  appointment  was  first  offered  Gen.  Greene,  he  de- 
clined it,  but  after  a  conference  with  the  commander-in-chief,  he 
consented  to  an  acceptance,  on  condition  that  he  should  forfeit 
nothing  of  his  right  to  command,  in  time  of  action.  On  these 
terms  he  received  the  appointment  on  the  22d  of  March,  1778, 
and  entered  immediately  on  the  duties  of  the  office. 

In  this  station  he  fully  answered  the  expectations  formed  of 
his  abilities ;  and  enabled  the  American  army  to  move  with  ad- 
ditional  celerity  and  vigor. 

During  his  administration  of  the  quarter-master  department, 
he  took,  on  two  occasions,  a  high  and  distinguished  part  in  the 
field;  the  first  in  the  battle  of  Monmouth;  the  second  in  a  very 
brilliant  expedition  against  the  enemy  in  Rhode  Island,  under 


104  NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

the  command  of  Gen.  Sullivan.  At  the  battle  of  Monmouth, 
the  commander-in-chief,  disgusted  with  the  behaviour  of  Gen 
eral  Lee,  deposed  him  in  the  field  of  battle,  and  appointed  Gen. 
Greene  to  command  the  right  wing,  where  he  greatly  contrib- 
uted to  retrieve  the  errors  of  his  predecessor,  and  to  the  subse- 
quent events  of  the  day. 

His  return  to  his  native  state  was  hailed  by  the  inhabitants, 
with  general  and  lively  demonstrations  of  joy.  Even  the  lead- 
ing members  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  who  had  reluctantly 
excluded  him  from  their  communion,  often  visited  him  at  hi? 
quarters  and  expressed  their  sincere  satisfaction  at  the  elevation 
he  had  attained  in  the  confidence  of  his  country.  One  of  these 
plain  gentlemen  being  asked  in  jest,  by  a  young  officer,  how  he, 
as  an  advocate  of  peace,  could  reconcile  it  with  his  conscience, 
to  keep  so  much  company  with  General  Greene,  whose  profes- 
sion was  war? — promptly  replied,  "Friend,  it  is  not  a  suit  of 
uniform  that  can  either  make  or  spoil  a  man.  True,  I  do  not 
approve  of  this  many  colored  apparel,  (to  the  officer's  dress,)  but 
whatever  may  be  the  form  or  color  of  his  coat,  Nathaniel  Greene 
still  retains  the  same  sound  head  and  virtuous  heart,  that  gain- 
ed him  the  love  and  esteem  of  our  Society." 

During  the  year  1779,  General  Greene  was  occupied  exclu- 
sively in  the  extensive  concerns  of  the  quarter-master  depart 
ment. 

About  this  time  Gen.  Greene  was  called  to  the  performance 
of  a  duty,  the  most  trying  and  painful  he  had  ever  encountered. 
We  allude  to  the  melancholy  affair  of  Major  Andre,  adjutant- 
general  to  the  British  army,  who  was  captured  in  disguise  within 
the  American  lines.  Washington  detailed  a  court  for  this  trial, 
composed  of  fourteen  general  officers,  La  Fayette  and  Steuben 
being  two  of  the  number,  and  appointed  General  Greene  to 
preside. 

When  summoned  to  this  trial,  Andre  frankly  disclosed  with- 
out interrogatory,  what  bore  heaviest  on  his  own  life,  but  invi- 
olably concealed  whatever  might  endanger  the  safety  of  others. 
His  confessions  were  conclusive,  and  no  witness  was  examined 
against  him.     The  court  were  unanimous,  that  he  had  been  ta- 


» 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  105 

ken  as  a  spy,  and  must  suffer  death.  Of  this  sentence  he  did 
not  complain,  but  wished  that  he  might  be  permitted  to  close  a 
life  of  honor  by  a  professional  death,  and  not  be  compelled,  like 
a  common  felon,  to  expire  on  a  gibbet.  To  effect  this,  he  made 
in  a  letter  to  General  Washington,  one  of  the  most  powerful 
and  pathetic  appeals,  that  ever  fell  from  the  pen  of  a  mortal. 

Staggered  in  his  resolution,  the  commander-in-chief  referred 
the  subject,  accompanied  by  the  letter,  to  his  general  officers, 
who,  with  one  exception,  became  unanimous  in  their  desire  that 
Andre  should  be  shot. 

That  exception  was  found  in  General  Greene,  the  president 
of  the  court.  "Andre,"  said  he,  "is  either  a  spy  or  an  inno- 
cent man.  If  the  latter,  to  execute  him,  in  any  way  will  be 
murder;  if  the  former,* the  mode  of  his  death  is  prescribed  by 
law,  and  you  have  no  right  to  alter  it.  Nor  is  this  all.  At  the 
present  alarming  crisis  of  our  affairs,  the  public  safety  calls  for 
a  solemn  and  impressive  example.  Nothing  can  satisfy  it,  short 
of  the  execution  of  the  prisoner,  as  a  common  spy ;  a  character 
of  which  his  own  confession  has  clearly  convicted  him.  Be- 
ware how  you  suffer  your  feelings  to  triumph  over  your  judg- 
ment. Indulgence  to  one  may  be  death  to  thousands.  Besides, 
if  you  shoot  the  prisoner,  instead  of  hanging  him,  you  will  ex- 
cite suspicion,  which  you  will  be  unable  to  allay.  Notwith- 
standing all  your  efforts  to  the  contrary,  you  will  awaken  public 
compassion,  and  the  belief  will  become  general,  that,  in  the 
case  of  Major  Andre,  there  were  exculpatory  circumstances, 
entitling  him  to  lenity,  beyond  what  he  received — perhaps,  en- 
titling him  to  pardon.     Hang  him,  therefore,  or  set  him  free.,f 

This  reasoning  being  considered  conclusive,  the  prisoner  suf- 
fered as  a  common  spy. 

We  have  now  advanced  to  that  period  of  the  revolutionary 
war,  in  which  the  situation  of  Greene,  is  about  to  experience 
an  entire  change.  No  longer  acting  in  the  vicinity,  or  subject 
to  the  immediate- orders  of  a  superior,  we  are  to  behold  him,  in 
future,  removed  to  a  distance,  and  virtually  invested  with  the 
supreme  command  of  a  large  section  of  the  United  States. 

Congress,  dissatisfied  with  the  loss  of  the  southern  army,  ro- 
14 


100  NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

solved  that  the  conduct  of  Gen.  Gates  be  submitted  to  the  exa- 
mination of  a  court  of  inquiry,  and  the  commander-in-chief  di- 
rected to  appoint  an  officer  to  succeed  him.  In  compliance  with 
the  latter  part  of  the  resolution,  Gen.  Washington,  without  he- 
sitation, offered  the  appointment  to  Gen.  Greene.  In  a  letter 
to  Congress,  recommending  the  general  to  the  support  of  that 
body,  he  made  the  most  honorable  mention  of  him  as  "an 
officer  in  whose  abilities,  fortitude,  and  integrity,  from  a  long 
and  intimate  experience  of  them,  he  had  the  most  entire  confi- 
dence.'1 Writing  to  Mr.  Mathews,  a  member  from  Charleston, 
he  says,  "  You  have  your  wish,  in  the  officer  appointed  to  the 
southern  command.  I  think  I  am  giving  you  a  general;  but 
what  can  a  general  do  without  arms,  without  clothing,  with- 
out stores,  without  provisions." 

General  Greene  arrived  at  Charlotte,  the  head-quarters  of 
General  Gates,  Dec.  2d,  1780,  and  in  entering  on  the  duties  of 
his  command,  he  found  himself  in  a  situation  that  was  fearfully 
embarrassing.  His  army,  consisting  mostly  of  militia,  amounted 
to  less  than  two  thousand  men,  and  he  found  on  hand  but  three 
days'  provision,  and  a  very  defective  supply  of  ammunition. 
In  front  was  an  enemy,  proud  in  victory,  and  too  strong  to  be 
encountered.  With  such  means,  and  under  such  circumstan- 
ees,  to  recover  two  states,  already  conquered,  and  protect  a 
third,  constituted  a  task  that  was  almost  hopeless. 

It  was  not  merely  to  meet  an  enemy  in  the  field,  to  command 
skilfully,  and  fight  bravely,  either  in  proffered  or  accepted  bat- 
tle. These  operations  depend  on  mere  professional  qualifica- 
tions, tnat  can  be  readily  acquired  by  moderate  capacities. 
But  to  raise  and  provide  for  an  army  in  a  dispirited  and  devas 
tated  country,  creating  resources  where  they  do  not  exist,  to 
operate  with  an  incompetent  force  on  an  extended  and  broken 
line  of  frontier;  to  hold  in  check,  in  many  points,  and  to 
avoid  coming  into  contact  in  any,  with  an  enemy  superior  in 
numbers  and  discipline; — to  conduct  a  scheme  of  warfare  like 
this,  and  such,  precisely,  was  that  which  tested  the  abilities  of 
General  Greene,  requires  a  genius  of  the  highest  order,  combi- 
ned with  indefatigable  industry  and  skill. 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  107 

Preparatory  to  the  commencement  of  the  campaign,  Greene's 
rirst  car*  was  to  prepare  for  his  troops  subsistence  and  ammu- 
nition, and  in  effecting  this,  he  derived  great  aid  from  his  per. 
sonal  experience  in  the  business  of  the  commissary  and  quarter* 
master's  departments.  This  qualification  for  such  a  diversity 
of  duties,  presented  him  to  his  troops  in  the  two-fold  relation 
of  their  supporter  and  commander.  Much  of  the  moral  strength 
of  an  army  consists  in  a  confidence  in  its  leader,  an  attachment 
to  his  person,  and  a  spirit  of  subordination,  founded  on  princi- 
ple. To  such  an  extent  was  this  true,  that  even  the  common 
soldiery,  sensible  of  the  superintendence  of  a  superior  intel- 
lect, predicted  confidently  a  change  of  fortune.  Their  defeat 
at  Camden  was  soon  forgotten  by  them,  in  their  anticipations  of 
future  victory.  They  fancied  themselves  ready  once  more  to 
take  the  field,  and  felt  a  solicitude  to  regain  their  lost  reputa- 
tion, and  signalize  their  prowess  in  presence  of  their  new  and 
beloved  commanders 

But,  notwithstanding  the  spirit  and  confidence  of  his  troops, 
Greene  found  himself  unable  to  meet  the  enemy  in  the  field. 
With  Washington  in  his  eye,  and  his  own  genius  to  devise  his 
measures,  he  resolved  on  cautious  movements  and  protracted 
war.  Yet,  to  sustain  the  spirit  of  the  country,  it  was  necessary 
that  he  should  not  altogether  shun  his  enemy;  but  watching 
and  confronting  his  scouts  and  foraging  parties,  fight,  cripple, 
and  beat  him  in  detail,  and  in  all  his  movements,  it  was  neces- 
sary for  him  to  maintain  a  communication  with  Virginia,  from 
which  he  was  to  receive  supplies  of  provisions,  munitions,  and 
men. 

General  Greene's  first  movement,  from  the  village  of  Char- 
lotte, was  productive  of  the  happiest  effect.  In  the  month  of 
December  he  marched,  with  his  main  army,  to  the  Cheraw 
Hills,  about  seventy  miles  to  the  right  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  de- 
spatching, at  the  same  time,  General  Morgan,  with  four  hundred 
continentals  under  ColoneJ  Howard,  Colonel  Washington's 
corps  of  dragoons,  and  a  few  militia,  amounting  in  all  to  six 
hundred,  to  take  a  position  on  the  Britishleft,  distant  from  then 
about  fifty  miles. 


10b  NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

This  judiciou6  disposition,  which  formed  a  rallying  point  for 
the  friends  of  independence,  both  in  the  east  and  west,  and  fa- 
cilitated the  procurement  of  provisions  for  the  troops,  excited 
his  Lordship's  apprehensions,  for  the  safety  of  Ninety-Six  and 
Augusta,  British  posts,  which  he  considered  as  menaced  by 
the  movements  of  Morgan,  and  gave  rise  to  a  train  of  move- 
ments which  terminated  in  the  celebrated  battle  of  the  Cow- 
pens. 

Cornwallis,  immediately  on  learning  the  movements  of 
Greene,  despatched  Colonel  Tarlton  with  a  strong  detachment, 
amounting,  in  horse  and  foot,  to  near  a  thousand,  for  the  pro- 
tection of  Ninety-Six,  with  orders  to  bring  General  Morgan, 
if  possible,  to  battle.  Greatly  superior  in  numbers,  he  advan- 
ced on  Morgan  with  a  menacing  aspect,  and  compelled  him,  at 
first,  to  fall  back  rapidly.  But  this  was  not  long  continued. 
Glorying  in  action,  and  relying  with  great  confidence  in  the 
spirit  and  firmness  of  his  regular  troops,  Morgan  halted  at  the 
Cowpens,  and  prepared  to  give  his  adversary  battle.  The 
opportunity  was  eagerly  seized  by  Tarlton.  An  engagement 
was  the  immediate  consequence,  and  a  complete  victory  was 
obtained  by  the  Americans.*  Upwards  of  five  hundred  of  the 
British  laid  down  their  arms  and  were  made  prisoners,  and  a 
very  considerable  number  were  killed.  Eight  hundred  stand 
of  arms,  two  field  pieces,  and  thirty-five  baggage  wagons  fell 
to  the  victors,  who  had  only  twelve  killed  and  sixty  wounded. 

The  victory  of  the  Cowpens,  although  achieved  under  the 
immediate  command  of  Morgan,  was  the  first  stroke  of  Gen- 
eral Greene's  policy  in  the  south,  and  augured  favourably  of 
his  future  career.  It  led  to  one  of  the  most  arduous,  ably 
conducted,  and  memorable  operations,  that  occurred  in  the 
course  of  the  revolutionary  war — the  retreat  of  Greene,  and 
the  pursuit  of  Cornwallis,  during  the  inclemencies  of  winter  a 
distance  of  230  miles. 

Galled  in  his  pride,  and  crippled  in  his  schemes,  by  the 
overthrow    of  Tarlton,  Lord  Cornwallis  resolved,    by  a  se- 


'Vide  Biog.  of  General  Morgan. 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  HK) 

lies  of  prompt  and  vigorous  measures,  to  avenge  the  injury  and 
retrieve  the  loss  which  the  royal  arms  had  sustained  at  the  Cow- 
pens.  His  meditated  operations  for  this  purpose,  were  to  ad- 
vance rapidly  on  Morgan  retake  his  prisoners,  and  destroy  his 
force;  to  maintain  an  intermediate  position,  and  prevent  his 
union  with  Gen.  Greene:  or,  in  case  of  the  junction  of  the 
two  armies,  to  cut  off  their  retreat  toward  Virginia,  and  force 
them  to  action. 

But  General  Greene,  no  less  vigilant  and  provident  than 
himself,  informed,  by  express,  of  the  defeat  of  Tarlton,  in- 
stantly perceived  the  object  of  his  Lordship,  and  ordering  his 
troops  to  proceed  under  General  Huger,  to  Salisbury,  where  he 
meditated  a  junction  with  Morgan's  detachment,  he  himself,  es- 
corted by  a  few  dragoons  set  out  for  the  head  quarters  of  that 
officer,  and  joined  him  shortly  after. 

Cornwallis  having  committed  to  the  flames  his  heavy  baggage, 
and  reduced  his  army  to  the  condition  of  light  troops,  dashed 
towards  Morgan.  And  here  commenced  the  retreat  of  General 
Greene,  in  the  course  of  which  he  displayed  such  resources, 
and  gained,  in  the  end,  such  lasting  renown.  Sensible  of  the 
immense  prize  for  which  he  was  contending,  he  tasked  his  ge- 
nius to  the  uttermost.  On  the  issue  of  the  struggle  was  stak- 
ed, not  merely  the  lives  of  a  few  brave  men ;  not  alone  the  ex- 
istence of  the  whole  army,  but  the  fate  of  the  south  and  the 
integrity  of  the  Union.  But  his  genius  was  equal  to  the  crisis. 
By  the  most  masterly  movements,  Greene  effected  a  junction 
of  the  two  divisions  of  his  little  army. 

To  his  great  mortification,  Lord  Cornwallis  now  perceived 
that  in  two  of  his  objects,  the  destruction  of  Morgan's  detach- 
ment, and  the  prevention  of  its  union  with  the  main  division, 
he  was  completely  frustrated  by  the  activity  of  Greene.  But 
to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  Americans  into  Virginia,  after 
their  union,  and  to  compel  them  to  action,  was  still  perhaps, 
practicable,  and  to  the  achievement  of  this  he  now  directed 
his  undivided  energies. 

The  genius  of  Greene,  however  did  not  desert  him  on  this 
trying  occasion.     Self-collected,  and   adapting  his  conduct  to 


.110  NATHANIEL  GREEN  t. 

the  nature  of  the  crisis,  his  firmness  grew  with  the  increase  ot 
danger;  and  the  measure  of  his  greatness,  was  the  extent  of  the 
difliculties  he  was  called  to  encounter.  Notwithstanding  the  vi- 
gilance and  activity  of  his  enemy,  he  brought  his  men  in  safety 
into  Virginia,  and  to  crown  the  whole,  no  loss  was  sustained 
by  him,  either  in  men,  munitions,  artillery,  or  any  thing  that 
enters  into  the  equipment  of  an  army. 

Frustrated  thus  in  all  his  purposes,  Lord  Cornwallis,  al- 
though the  pursuing  party,  must  be  acknowledged  to  have  been 
fairly  vanquished.  Victory  is  the  successful  issue  of  a  struggle 
for  superiority.  Military  leaders  contend  for  different  objects : 
to  vanquish  their  enemies,  in  open  conflict;  to  attack  and  over- 
throw them  by  stratagem  and  surprise;  to  exhaust  their  resour- 
ces by  delay  of  action;  or  to  elude  them,  in  retreat,  until 
stengthened  by  reinforcements,  they  may  be  able  to  turn  and 
meet  them  in  the  field.  Of  this  last  description,  was  the  vic- 
tory of  Greene,  in  this  memorable  retreat. 

In  Virginia,  General  Greene  received  some  reinforcements, 
and  had  the  promise  of  more;  on  which  he  returned  again  into 
North  Carolina,  where,  on  their  arrival  he  hoped  to  be  able  to 
act  on  the  offensive.  He  encamped  in  the  vicinity  of  Lord 
Cornwallis'  army.  By  a  variety  of  the  best  concerted  ma- 
noeuvres, he  so  judiciously  supported  the  arrangement  of  his 
troops,  by  the  secrecy  and  promptitude  of  his  motions,  that. 
during  three  weeks,  while  the  enemy  remained  near  him,  he 
prevented  them  from  taking  any  advantage  of  their  superiority ; 
and  even  cut  off  all  opportunity  of  their  receiving  succours 
from  the  royalists. 

About  the  beginning  of  March  be  effected  a  junction  with 
a  continental  regiment,  and  two  considerable  bodies  of  Virgin- 
ia and  Carolina  militia.  He  then  determined  on  attacking  the 
British  commander,  without  loss  of  time,  "  being  persuaded," 
as  he  declared  in  his  subsequent  despatches,  "  that  if  he  was 
successful,  it  would  prove  ruinous  to  the  enemy,  and,  if  other- 
wise^ that  it  would  be  but  a  partial  evil  to  him."  On  the  14th, 
he  arrived  at  Guilford  Court-House,  the  British  then  lying  at 
twelve  miles  distance. 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  Ill 

His  army  consisted  of  about  four  thousand  five  hundred  men, 
>of  whom  near  two-thirds  were  North  Carolina  and  Virginia 
militia.  The  British  were  about  two  thousand  four  hundred; 
all  regular  troops,  and  the  greater  part  inured  to  toil  and  ser- 
vice in  their  long  expedition  under  Lord  Cornwallis,  who,  on 
{he  morning  of  the  15th,  being  apprized  of  General  Green's 
intentions,  marched  to  meet  him.  The  latter  disposed  his  army 
in  three  lines:  the  militia  of  North  Carolina  were  in  front;  the 
second  line  was  composed  of  those  of  Virginia;  and  the  third, 
which  was  the  flower  of  the  army,  was  formed  of  continental 
troops,  near  fifteen  hundred  in  number.  They  were  flanked 
on  both  sides  by  cavalry  and  riflemen,  and  posted  on  a  rising 
ground,  a  mile  and  a  half  from  Guilford  Court-House. 

The  engagement  commenced  at  half  an  hour  after  one 
o'clock  by  a  brisk  cannonade;  after  which  the  British  advanced' 
in  three  columns,  and  attacked  the  first  line,  composed  of  Nortb 
Carolina  militia.  These,  who  probably  had  never  been  in  ac- 
tion before,  were  panic-struck  at  the  approach  of  the  enemy: 
and  many  of  them  ran  away  without  firing  a  gun,  or  being  fired 
upon,  and  even  before  the  British  had  come  nearer  than  one 
hundred  and  forty  yards  to  them.  Part  of  them,  however, 
fired;  but  they  then  followed  the  example  of  their  comrades. 
Their  officers  made  every  possible  effort  to  rally  them;  but  nei- 
ther the  advantages  of  position,  nor  any  other  consideration, 
could  induce  them  to  maintain  their  ground.  This  shameful 
conduct  had  a  great  effect  upon  the  issue  of  the  battle.  The 
next  line,  however,  behaved  much  better.  They  fought  with 
great  bravery;  and  were  thrown  into  disorder;  rallied,  returned 
to  the  charge,  and  kept  up  a  heavy  fire  for  a  long  time ;  but 
were  at  length  broken,  and  driven  on  the  third  line,  when  the 
engagement  became  general,  very  severe,  and  very  bloody.  At 
length,  superiority  of  discipline  carried  the  day  from  superiority 
of  numbers.  The  conflict  endured  an  hour  and  a  half:  and 
was  terminated  by  General  Greene's  ordering  a  retreat,  when 
he  perceived  that  the  enemy  were  on  the  point  of  encircling  his 
troops."* 

Am-  Biographical  Dictionary. 


112  NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

This  was  a  hard-fought  action,  and  the  exertions  of  the  two 
rival  generals,  both  in  preparing  for  this  action,  and  during  the 
course  of  it,  were  never  surpassed.  Forgetful  of  every  thing, 
but  the  fortune  of  the  day,  they,  on  several  occasions,  mingled 
in  the  danger,  like  common  soldiers. 

The  loss  sustained  by  the  Americans,  in  this  battle,  amounted, 
in  killed  and  wounded,  to  only  about  400;  while  in  its  effect  ©n 
the  enemy  it  was  murderous ;  nearly  one  third  of  them,  inclu- 
ding many  officers  of  distinction,  were  killed  and  wounded. 

The  result  of  this  conflict,  although  technically  a  defeat,  wat 
virtually  a  victory  on  the  part  of  Gen.  Greene.  In  its^lation 
to  his  adversary,  it  placed  him  on  higher  ground  than  he  had 
previously  occupied;  enabling  him,  immediately  afterward,  in- 
stead of  retreating,  to  become  the  pursuing  party.  This  is  ev- 
idenced by  his  conduct  soon  after  the  action. 

Not  doubting  that  Lord  Cornwallis  would  follow  him,  he  re- 
treated slowly,  and  in  good  order,  from  the  field  of  battle,  until 
attaining,  at  the  distance  of  a  few  miles,  an  advantageous  po- 
sition, he  again  drew  up  his  forces,  determined  to  renew  the 
contest  on  the  arrival  of  his  enemy.  But  his  Lordship  was  in 
no  condition  to  pursue.  Having,  by  past  experience,  not  to  be 
forgotten,  learnt  that  his  adversary  was  a  Ulysses  in  wisdom,  he 
now  perceived  that  he  was  an  Ajax  in  strength.  Alike  expert 
in  every  mode  of  warfare,  and  not  to  be  vanquished,  either  by 
stratagem  or  force,  he  found  him  too  formidable  to  be  again 
approached. 

Influenced  by  these  sentiments,  Lord  Cornwallis,  instead  of 
pursuing  his  foe,  or  even  maintaining  his  ground,  commenced 
his  retreat,  leaving  behind  him  about  seventy  of  his  wounded, 
whom  he  recommended,  in  a  letter  written  by  himself,  to  the 
humanity  and  attention  of  the  American  chief. 

Had  General  Greene  been  in  a  situation  to  pursue  his  Lord- 
ship, as  soon  as  he  commenced  his  retreat,  the  destruction  of 
that  officer  and  his  army  would  have  been  inevitable.  Some 
spot  on  the  plains  of  Carolina  would  have  witnessed  the  sur- 
render that  was  reserved  for  Virginia;  and  the  hero  of  the 
south  would  have  won  the  laurels  which,  shortly  afterwards, 


NATHANIEL  GREENE  113 

decorated  the  brow  of  the  hero  of  the  nation.  But  Greene's 
military  stores  were  so  far  expended  that  he  could  not  pursue, 
until  he  received  a  supply  5  and  the  delay,  thus  occasioned,  gave 
time  to  the  British  commander  to  effect  his  escape. 

Having  received  his  supplies,  Greene  immediately  pursued 
the  enemy;  but  the  advanced  position  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  and 
the  impracticable  condition  of  the  roads,  frustrated  every  exer- 
tion that  General  Greene  could  make  to  compel  the  enemy  to 
a  second  engagement, — convinced  of  this,  he  halted  to  indulge 
his  troops  in  that  refreshment  and  repose  which  they  so  much 
needed. 

Were  we  to  indicate  the  period  in  the  life  of  General  Greene 
most  strongly  marked  by  the  operations,  and  irradiated  by  the 
genius  of  a  great  commander,  we  would,  without  hesitation, 
select  that  which  extends  from  the  commencement  of  his  retreat 
before  Cornwallis,  to  the  termination  of  his  pursuit  of  him  at 
this  time.  Perhaps  a  brighter  era  does  not  adorn  the  military 
career  of  any  leader.  It  was  in  the  course  of  it  that  he  turned 
the  current  of  adverse  fortune  consequent  on  the  defeat  of 
Gates,  which  he  afterward  directed  with  such  certain  aim  and 
irresistible  force,  as  to  keep  the  enemy  from  his  numerous  strong 
holds  in  the  southern  department,  and  contributed  so  pre-emi- 
nently to  the  speedy  and  felicitous  issue  of  the  war. 

Having  abandoned  the  pursuit  of  the  British  army,  the  gene- 
ral again  found  himself  encircled  with  difficulties.  Of  the 
southern  department  of  the  Union,  over  which  Greene's  com- 
mand extended,  the  enemy  was  in  force  in  three  large  and  im- 
portant sections.  Georgia  and  South  Carolina  were  entirely 
hi  their  possession;  Lord  Cornwallis  had  taken  post  in  the  mari- 
time district  of  North  Carolina,  and  part  of  Virginia  was  occur 
pied  by  a  powerful  detachment  of  British  troops,  under  the 
command  of  Gen.  Phillips.  At  a  loss  to  determine  in  which  of 
these  points  he  should  act  in  person,  he  consulted  his  officers, 
and  found  them  greatly  divided  in  opinion.  He,  however,  re- 
solved, in  accordance  to  the  views  of  Col.  Lee,  that,  leaving 
his  lordship,  whose  object  evidently  was  the  invasion  of  Virgin- 
ia, to  be  met  by  the  energies  of  that  state,  with  such  assistance 
15 


114  NATHANIEL  GREENf 

as  might  arrive  from  the  north,  he  should  penetrate  South  Caror 
lina,  his  army  divided  into  two  columns,  attack  and  beat  the 
enemy  at  their  different  posts,  without  permitting  them  to  con- 
centrate their  forces,  and  thus  recover  that  rich  and  important 
member  of  the  union. 

An  officer  who  had  distinguished  himself  in  the  late  action, 
riot  satisfied  with  the  proposed  plan  of  operations,  asked  General 
Greene  by  way  of  remonstrance, — "What  will  you  do,  Sir,  in 
case  Lord  Cornwallis  throws  himself  in  your  rear,  and  cuts  off 
your  communication  with  Virginia? " — "  I  will  punish  his  teme- 
rity," replied  the  general  with  great  pleasantness,  "by  ordering 
you  to  charge  him  as  you  did  at  the  battle  of  Guilford.  But 
never  fear,  Sir;  his  lordship  has  too  much  good  sense  ever  again- 
to  risk  his  safety  so  far  from  the  sea-board.  He  has  just  esca- 
ped ruin,  and  he  knows  it,  and  I  am  greatly  mistaken  in  his 
character  as  an  officer,  if  he  has  not  the  capacity  to  profit  by 
experience." 

On  the  seventh  of  April,  Gen.  Greene  broke  up  his  encamp- 
ment, and  with  the  main  column  of  his  army,  moving  to  the 
south,  took  position  on  Hobkirk's  Hill,  in  front  of  Camden,  the 
head-quarters  of  Lord  Rawdon,  now  the  commander-in-chief  of 
the  British  forces  in  the  south. 

The  strength  of  the  British  position,  which  was  covered  on 
the  south  and  east  side  by  a  river  and  creek ;  and  to  the  west- 
ward and  northward,  by  six  redoubts ;  rendered  it  impracticable 
to  carry  it  by  storm,  with  the  small  army  Greene  had,  consisting 
of  about  seven  hundred  continentals,  the  militia  having  gone 
home.  He,  therefore,  encamped  at  about  a  mile  from  the  town, 
in  order  to  prevent  supplies  from  being  brought  in,  and  to  take 
advantage  of  such  favorable  circumstances  as  might  occur. 

Lord  Rawdon's  situation  was  extremely  delicate*.  Colonel 
Watson,  whom  he  had  some  time  before  detached,  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  eastern  frontiers,  and  to  whom  he  had,  on  the  in- 
telligence of  General  Greene's  intentions,  sent  orders  to  return 
to  Camden,  was  so  effectually  watched  by  General  Marion,  that 
it  was  impossible  for  him  to  obey.  His  lordship's  supplies  were, 
moreover,  very  precarious;  and  should  General  Greene's  rein- 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  115 

iorcements  arrive,  he  might  be  so  closely  invested,  as  to  be  at 
length  obliged  to  surrender.  In  this  dilemma,  the  best  expedi- 
ent that  suggested  itself,  was  a  bold  attack;  for  which  purpose, 
he  armed  every  person  with  him  capable  of  carrying  a  musket, 
not  excepting  his  musicians  and  drummers.  He  sallied  out  on 
the  25th  of  April,  and  attacked  General  Greene  in  his  camp. 
The  defence  was  obstinate;  and  for  some  part  of  the  engage- 
ment the  advantage  appeared  to  be  in  favor  of  America.  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Washington,  who  commanded  the,  cavalry,  had 
at  one  time  not  less  than  two  hundred  British  prisoners.  How- 
ever, by  the  misconduct  of  one  of  the  American  regiments, 
victory  was  snatched  from  General  Greene,  who  was  compelled 
to  retreat.  He  lost  in  the  action  about  two  hundred  killed, 
wounded,  and  prisoners.  Rawdon  lost  about  two  hundred  and 
Sfty-eight. 

There  was  a  great  similarity  between  the  consequences  of 
the  affair  at  Guilford,  and  those  of  this  action.  In  the  former, 
Lord  Cornwallis  was  successful ;  but  was  afterward  obliged  to 
retreat  two  hundred  miles  from  the  scene  of  action,  and  for  a 
time  abandoned  the  grand  object  of  penetrating  to  the  north- 
ward. In  the  latter,  Lord  Rawdon  had  the  honor  of  the  field : 
but  was  shortly  after  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  abandoning 
his  post,  and  leaving  behind  him  a  number  of  sick  and  wounded. 

The  evacuation  of  Camden,  with  the  vigilance  of  General 
Greene,  and  the  several  officers  he  employed,  gave  a  new  com- 
plexion to  affairs  in  South  Carolina,  where'  the  British  as- 
cendency declined  more  rapidly  than  it  had  been  established. 
The  numerous  forts,  garrisoned  by  the  enemy,  fell  one  after  the 
other,  into  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  Orangeburgh,  Motte, 
Watson,  Georgetown,  Granby,  and  others,  Fort  Ninety-Six  ex- 
cepted, were  surrendered;  and  a  very  considerable  number  of 
prisoners  of  war,  with  military  stores  and  artillery,  were  found 
in  them. 

On  the  22d  May,  General  Greene  sat  down  before  Ninety- 
Six,  with  the  main  part  of  his  little  army.  The  siege  was 
carried  on  for  a  considerable  time  with  great  spirit;  and  the 
glace  was  defended  with  equal  bravery.     At  length  the  works 


lit*  NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

were  so  far  reduced,  that  a  surrender  must  have  been  made  in  a 
few  days,  when  a  reinforcement  of  three  regiments,  from  Eu* 
ropej  arrived  at  Charleston,  which  enabled  Lord  Rawdon  to 
proceed  to  relieve  this  important  post.  The  superiority  of  the 
enemy's  force  reduced' General  Greene  to  the  alternative  of 
abandoning  the  siege  altogether,  or  previous  to  their  arrival,  of 
attempting  the  fort  by  storm.  The  latter  was  more  agreeable 
to  his  enterprising  spirit;  and  an  attack  was  made,  on  the  mor- 
ning of  the  19th  of  June.  He  was  repulsed  with  the  loss  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men.  He  raised  the  siege,  and  retreated 
over  the  Saluda. 

Dr.  Ramsay,  speaking  of  the  state  of  affairs  about  this  period 
says, "  truly  distressing  was  the  situation  of  the  American  army; 
when  in  the  grasp  of  victory,  to  be  obliged  to  expose  themselves 
to  a  hazardous  assault,  and  afterward  to  abandon  a  siege. 
When  they  were  nearly  masters  of  the  whole  country,  to  be 
compelled  to  retreat  to  its  extremity;  and  after  subduing  the 
greatest  part  of  the  force  sent  against  them,  to  be  under  the 
necessity  of  encountering  still  greater  reinforcements,  when  their 
remote  situation  precluded  them  from  the  hope  of  receiving  a 
single  recruit.  In  this  gloomy  situation,  there  were  not  want- 
ing persons  who  advised  General  Greene  to  leave  the  state,  and 
retire  with  his  remaining  forces  to  Virginia.  To  argument? 
and  suggestions  of  this  kind  he  nobly  replied,  "  I  will  recover 
the  country,  or  die  in  the  attempt."  This  distinguished  officer, 
whose  genius  was  most  vigorous  in  those  extremities,  when  fee- 
ble minds  abandon  themselves  to  despair,  adopted  the  only 
resource  now  left  him,  of  avoiding  an  engagement,  until  the 
British  force  should  be  divided.'1* 

Greene,  having,  without  loss,  made  good  his  passage  over  the 
rivers  in  front,  Lord  Rawdon,  perceiving  the  futility  of  any 
further  attempt  to  overtake  him,  abandoned  the  pursuit,  and 
retreating  to  Ninety-Six,  prepared  for  its  evacuation.  Thus 
did  the  policy  of  Greene,  which  is  moral  strength,  compel  the 
surrender  of  that  fortress,  although  from  a  want  of  physical 
strength,  he  failed  to  carry  it  by  the  sword. 

*  Am.  Biog.  Dictionary. 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  117 

No  sooner  had  Lord  Rawdon  commenced  his  retrogade  move- 
ment towards  Ninety-Six  than  General  Greene  changed  his 
front,  and  moved  in  the  same  direction.  On  the  breaking  up  of 
the  garrison  of  Ninety-Six,  and  the  return  of  Lord  Rawdon  to- 
wards Charleston,  which  immediately  ensued,  the  British  army 
moved  in  two  columns,  at  a  considerable  distance  from  each 
other.  It  was  then  that  General  Greene  became,  in  reality,  the 
pursuing  party,  exceedingly  anxious  to  bring  the  enemy  to  bat- 
tle.    But  this  he  was  unable  to  accomplish  until  September. 

September  the  9th,  General  Greene  having  assembled  about 
two  thousand  men,  proceeded  to  attack  the  British,  who  under 
the  command  of  Colonel .  Stewart,  were  posted  at  the  Eutaw 
Springs.  The  American  force  was  drawn  up  in  two  lines:  the 
first,  composed  of  Carolina  militia,  was  commanded  by  Gene- 
rals Marion  and  Pickens,  and  Colonel  de  Malmedy.  The 
second,  which  consisted  of  continental  troops,  from  North 
Carolina,  Virginia,  and  Maryland,  was  commanded  by  Ge- 
neral Sumpter,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Campbell,  and  Colonel 
Williams:  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lee,  with  his  legion,  covered  the 
right  flank;  and  Lieut.  Colonel  Henderson,  with  the  state  troops, 
covered  the  left.  A  corps  de  reserve  was  formed  of  the  cavalry 
under  Lieut.  Col.  Washington,  and  the  Delaware  troops  under 
Capt.  Kirkwood.  As  the  Americans  came  forward  to  the  at- 
tack, they  fell  in  with  some  advanced  parties  of  the  enemy,  at 
about  two  or  three  miles  ahead  of  the  main  body.  These  being 
closely  pursued,  were  driven  back,  and  the  action  soon  became 
general.  The  militia  were  at  length  forced  to  give  way,  but 
were  bravely  supported  by  the  second  line.  In  the  hottest  part 
of  the  engagement,  General  Greene  ordered  the  Maryland  and 
Virginia  continentals  to  charge  with  trailed  arms.  This  deci- 
ded the  fate  of  the  day.  "Nothing,"  says  Dr.  Ramsay, "could 
surpass  the  intrepidity  of  both  officers  and  men  on  this  occasion. 
They  rushed  on  in  good  order  through  a  heavy  cannonade,  and 
a  shower  of  musketry,  with  such  unshaken  resolution,  that 
they  bore  down  all  before  them."  The  British  were  broken, 
closely  pursued,  and  upwards  of  five  hundred  of  them  were  ta- 
ken prisoners.     They,  however,  made  a  fresh  stand  in  a  favora- 


IIS  NATHANIEL  GREENfc. 

ble  position,  in  impenetrable  shrubs  and  a  piqueted  garden. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Washington,  after  having  made  every  effort 
to  dislodge  them,  was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner.  Four  six 
pounders  were  brought  forward  to  play  upon  them,  but  they 
fell  into  their  hands;  and  the  endeavors  to  drive  them  from  their 
station,  being  found  impracticable,  the  Americans  retired,  leav- 
ing a  very  strong  piquet  on  the  field  of  battle.  Their  loss  was 
about  live  hundred;  that  of  the  British  upwards  of  eleven  hun- 
dred. 

General  Greene  was  honored  by  Congress  with  a  British 
standard,  and  a  gold  medal,  emblematical  of  the  engagement, 
"for  his  wise,  decisive,  and  magnanimous  conduct,  in  the  action 
at  Eutaw  Springs,  in  which,  with  a  force  inferior  in  number 
to  that  of  the  enemy, he  obtained  a  most  signal  victory." 

In  the  evening  of  the  succeeding  day,  Colonel  Stewart  aban- 
doned his  post,  and  retreated  towards  Charleston,  leaving  be- 
hind upwards  of  seventy  of  his  wounded,  and  a  thousand  stand 
of  arms.     He  was  pursued  a  considerable  distance,  but  in  vain. 

In  Dr.  Caldwell's  memoirs  of  the  life  of  Gen.  Greene,  we 
have  the  following  interesting  story  as  connected  with  the  se- 
vere conflict  at  Eutaw  Springs. 

"Two  young  officers, bearing  the  same  rank,  met  in  personal 
combat.  The  American,  perceiving  that  the  Briton  had  a  de- 
cided superiority  in  the  use  of  the  sabre,  and  being  himself  of 
great  activity  and  personal  strength,  almost  gigantic,  closed  with 
his  adversary,  and  made  him  his  prisoner. 

"Gentlemanly,  generous,  and  high  minded,  this  event,  added 
to  a  personal  resemblance  which  they  were  observed  to  bear  to 
each  other,  produced  between  these  two  youthful  warriors,  an 
intimacy,  which  increased  in  a  short  time  to  a  mutual  attach- 
ment. 

"Not  long  after  the  action,  the  American  officer  returning 
home,  on  furlough,  to  settle  some  private  business,  obtained  per- 
mission for  his  friend  to  accompany  him. 

"Travelling  without  attendants  or  guard,  they  were  both 
armed  and  well  mounted.  Part  of  their  route  lay  through  a 
settlement  highly  disaffected  to  the  American  cause. 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  U9 

"  When  in  the  midst  of  this,  having,  in  consequence  of  a  show- 
er of  rain,  thrown  around  them  their  cloaks,  which  concealed 
their  uniforms,  they  were  suddenly  encountered  by  a  detach- 
ment of  tories. 

"The  young  American,  determined  to  die  rather  than  become 
a  prisoner,  especially  to  men  whom  he  held  in  abhorrence  for 
disloyalty  to  their  country,  and  the  generous  Briton  resolved  not 
to  survive  one  by  whom  he  had  been  distinguished  and  treated 
so  kindly,  they  both  together,  with  great  spirit  and  self-posses- 
sion, charged  the  royalists,  having  first  made  signals  in  their  rear, 
as  if  directing  others  to  follow  them;  and  thus,  without  injury 
on  either  side,  had  the  address  and  good  fortune  to  put  the  par- 
ty to  flight. 

"Arriving  in  safety  at  their  place  of  destination,  what  was 
their  surprise  and  augmented  satisfaction,  on  findings  from  some 
questions  proposed  by  the  American  officer's  father,  that  they 
were  first  cousins! 

"With  increasing  delight,  the  young  Briton  passed  several 
weeks  in  the  family  of  his  kinsman,  where  the  writer  of  this 
narrative  saw  him  daily,  and  often  listened  with  the  rapture  of 
a  child,  to  the  checkered  story  of  his  military  adventures. 

"To  heighten  the  occurrence, and  render  it  more  romantic, 
the  American  officer  had  a  sister,  beautiful  and  accomplished, 
whose  heart  soon  felt  for  the  gallant  stranger,  more  than  the 
affection  due  to  a  cousin.     The  attachment  was  mutual. 

"But  here  the  adventure  assumed  a  tragical  cast.  The 
youthful  foreigner,  being  exchanged,  was  summoned  to  return 
to  his  regiment.  The  message  was  fatal  to  his  peace.  But 
military  honor  demanded  the  sacrifice;  and  the  lady,  generous 
and  high-minded  as  himself,  would  not  be  instrumental  in  dim- 
ming his  laurels.  The  parting  scene  was  a  high-wrought  pic- 
ture of  tenderness  and  sorrow.  On  taking  leave,  the  parties 
mutually  bound  themselves,  by  a  solemn  promise,  to  remain  sin- 
gle a  certain  number  of  years,  in  the  hope  thai  an  arrangement 
contemplated,  might  again  bring  them  together.  A  few  weeks 
afterward,  the  lady  expired  under  an  attack  of  the  small-pox. 
The  fate  of  the  officer  we  never  learnt."* 

*Am.  Biographical  Dictionary 


120  NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

Judge  Johnson  in  his  life  of  General  Greene,  says — "At  the 
battle  of  the  Eutaw  Springs,  Greene  says,'  that  hundreds  of  my 
men  were  naked  as  they  were  born.'  Posterity  will  scarcely 
believe  that  the  bare  loins  of  many  brave  men  who  carried 
death  into  the  enemy's  ranks  at  the  Eutaw,  were  galled  by  their 
cartouch  boxes,  while  a  folded  rag  or  a  tuft  of  moss  protected 
the  shoulders  from  sustaining  the  same  injury  from  the  musket. 
Men  of  other  times  will  inquire,  by  what  magic  was  the  army 
kept  together?  By  what  supernatural  power  was  it  made  to 
fight?" 

General  Greene  in  his  letters  to  the  secretary  at  war,  says — 
"We  have  three  hundred  men  without  arms,  and  more  than  one 
thousand  so  naked  that  they  can  be  put  on  duty  only  in  cases  of 
a  desperate  nature."  Again  he  says — "Our  difficulties  are  so 
numerous,  and  our  wants  so  pressing,  that  I  have  not  a  moment's 
relief  from  the  most  painful  anxieties.  I  have  more  embarrass- 
ments than  it  is  proper  to  disclose  to  the  world.  Let  it  suffice 
to  say  that  this  part  of  the  United  States  has  had  a  narrow  es- 
cape. /  fiave  been  seven  months  in  the  Jield  without  taking  off  wiy 
clothes.'''' 

The  battle  of  Eutaw  Springs  being  terminated,  Gen.  Greene 
ordered  the  light  troops  under  Lee  and  Marion  to  march  cir 
cuitously,  and  gain  a  position  in  the  British  rear.  But  the  Brit- 
ish leader  was  so  prompt  in  his  measures,  and  so  precipitate  in 
his  movements,  that,  leaving  his  sick  and  wounded  behind  him, 
he  made  good  his  retreat.  The  only  injury  he  received  in  his 
flight,  was  from  Leo  and  Marion,  who  cut  off  part  of  his  rear- 
guard, galled  him  in  his  flanks,  killed  several,  and  made  a  num< 
her  of  prisoners. 

Such  was  the  issue  of  the  battle  of  Eutaw.  Like  that  of 
every  other  fought  by  Gen.  Greene,  it  manifested  in  him  judg- 
ment and  sagacity,  of  the  highest  order.  Although  he  was  re- 
peatedly forced  from  the  field,  it  may  be  truly  said  of  that  officer, 
that  he  never  lost  an  action — the  consequences,  at  least,  being  al- 
ways in  his  favor.  In  no  instance  did  he  fail  to  reduce  his  en- 
emy to  a  condition,  relatively  much  worse  than  that  in  which  he 
met  him,  his  own  condition,  of  course,  being  relatively  improved. 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  121 

The  battle  of  the  Eutaw  Springs,  was  the  last  essay  in  arnrfs, 
in  which  it  was  the  fortune  of  Gen.  Greene  to  command,  and 
was  succeeded  by  the  abandonment  of  the  whole  of  South  Car- 
olina by  the  enemy,  except  Charleston.  During  the  relaxation 
that  followed,  a  dangerous  plot  was  formed,  by  some  mutinous 
persons  of  the  army,  to  deliver  up  their  brave  general  to  the 
British.  The  plot  was  discovered  and  defeated ;  the  ringleader 
apprehended,  tried,  and  shot,  and  twelve  of  the  most  guilty 
of  his  associates,  deserted  to  the  enemy.  To  the  honor  of  the 
Vmerican  character,  no  native  of  the  country  was  known  to  be 
concerned  in  this  conspiracy;  Foreigners  alone  were  its  pro- 
jectors and  abettors. 

The  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  whose  enterprising  spirit 
had  been,  by  the  British  ministry,  expected  to  repair  the  losses, 
and  wipe  away  the  disgrace  which  had  been  incurred  through 
the  inactivity  and  indolence  of  other  Generals,  having  convinced 
them  of  the  impracticability  of  subjugating  America,  they  dis- 
continued offensive  operations  in  every  quarter.  The  happy  pe- 
riod at  length  arrived,  when,  by  the  virtue  and  bravery  of  her 
sons,  aided  by  the  bounty  of  heaven,  America  compelled  her  in- 
vaders to  acknowledge  her  independence.  Then  her  armies 
quitted  the  tented  field,  and  retired  to  cultivate  the  arts  of  peace 
and  happiness.  Gen.  Greene  immediately  withdrew  from  the 
south,  and  returned  to  the  bosom  of  his  native  state. 

The  reception  he  there  experienced,  was  cordial  and  joyous. 
The  authorities  welcomed  him  home,  with  congratulary  ad- 
dresses, and  the  chief  men  of  the  place  waited  upon  him  at  his 
dwelling,  eager  to  testify  their  gratitude  for  his  services,  their 
admiration  of  his  talents  and  virtues,  and  the  pride  with  which 
they  recognized  him  as  a  native  of  Rhode  Island. 

On  the  close  of  the  war,  the  three  southern  states  that  had 
been  the  most  essentially  benefitted  by  his  wisdom  and  valor, 
manifested  at  once  their  sense  of  justice,  and  their  gratitude  to 
General  Greene,  by  liberal  donations.  South  Carolina  present' 
ed  him  with  an  estate,  valued  at  ten  thousand  pounds  sterling; 
Georgia,  with  an  estate,  a  few  miles  from  the  city  of  Savannah, 


122  NATHANIEL  GREENEf 

worth  five  thousand  pounds;  and  North  Carolina,  with  twenty- 
five  thousand  acres  of  land  in  the  state  of  Tennessee. 

Having  spent  about  two  years  in  his  native  state,  in  the  ad- 
justment of  his  private  affairs,  he  sailed  for  Georgia, in  October, 
1785,  and  settled  with  his  family,  on  his  estate  near  Savannah. 
Engaging  here  in  agricultural  pursuits,  he  employed  himself 
closely  in  arrangements  for  planting,  exhibiting  the  fairest  prom- 
ise to  become  as  eminent  in  the  practice  of  the  peaceful  virtues, 
as  he  had  already  shown  himself  in  the  occupations  of  war. 

But  it  was  the  will  of  Heaven,  that  in  this  new  sphere  of  ac- 
tion, his  course  should  be  limited.  The  short  period  of  seven 
months  was  destined  to  witness  its  commencement  and  its  close. 

Walking  over  his  grounds,  as  was  his  custom,  without  his  hat, 
on  the  afternoon  of  the  15th  June,  1786,  the  day  being  intense- 
ly hot,  he  was  suddenly  attacked  with  such  a  vertigo  and  pros- 
tration of  strength  as  to  be  unable  to  return  to  his  house  with- 
out assistance.  The  affection  was  what  was  denominated  a 
';  stroke  of  the  sun."  It  was  succeeded  by  fever,  accompanied 
with  stupor,  delirium,  and  a  disordered  stomach.  All  efforts  to 
subdue  it  proving  fruitless,  it  terminated  fatally  on  the  19th  of 
tjic  month. 

Intelligence  of  the  event  being  conveyed  to  Savannah,  but 
one  feeling  pervaded  the  place.  Sorrow  was  universal ;  and  the 
whole  town  instinctively  assumed  the  aspect  of  mourning.  All  bu- 
siness was  suspended,  the  dwelling-houses,  stores,  and  shops  were 
closed,  and  the  shipping  in  the  harbor  half-masted  their  colors. 

On  the  following  day,  the  body  of  the  deceased  being  con- 
veyed to  the  town,  at  the  request  of  the  inhabitants,  was  inter- 
red in  a  private  cemetery  with  military  honors,  the  magistrates 
of  the  place,  and  other  public  officers,  the  society  of  the  Cin 
cinnati,  and  the  citizens  generally,  joined  in  the  procession.* 

On  the  12th  of  August,  of  the  yearin  which  the  General  died, 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States  unanimously  resolved — 
"  That  a  monument  be  erected  to  the  memory  of  the  Honorable 
Nathaniel  Greene,  at  the  seat  of  the  Federal  Government,  with 
the  following  inscription.- 

*Gen.  Greene  h-ffr  behind  him  a  wife  and  five  children. 


NATHANIEL  GREENE.  1'23 

SACRED 

to  the  memory  of  the" 

Hon.  Nathaniel  Greene, 

who  departed  this  life 

the  19th  of  June,  mdcclxxxvi, 

late  Major  General  in  the 

service  of  the  U.  S.  and 

Commander  of  the  Army  in  the 

Southern  Department. 

The  United  States,  in  Congress 

assembled,  in  honor  of 

HIS    PATRIOTISM,    VALOR,    AND    ABILITY, 

have  erected  this 

MONUMENT. 

To  the  disgrace  of  the  nation,  no  monument  has  been  erect- 
ed; nor,  for  the  want  of  a  headstone,  can  any  one  at  present  de- 
signate the  spot,  where  the  relics  of  the  Hero  of  the  South  lie 
interred. 

In  estimating  the  military  character  of  Gen.  Greene,  facts  au- 
thorized the  inference,  that  he  possessed  a  genius  adapted  by 
nature  to  military  command.  After  resorting  to  arms,  his  at- 
tainment to  rank  was  much  more  rapid,  than  that  of  any  other 
officer  our  country  has  produced;  perhaps  the- most  rapid  that 
history  records.  These  offices,  so  high  in  responsibility  and  hon- 
or, were  conferred  on  him,  not  as  matters  of  personal  favor,  or 
family  influence,  nor  yet  through  the  instrumentality  of  politi- 
cal intrigue.  They  were  rewards  of  pre-eminent  merit,  and  to- 
kens of  recognized  fitness  for  the  highest  functions  of  military 
service. 

It  is  said,  that,  on  his  very  first  appearance  in  the  camp  at 
Cambridge,  from  the  ardor  of  his  zeal,  unremitted  activity,  and 
strict  attention  to  every  duty,  h,e  was  pronounced  by  soldiers  of 
distinction,*  a  man  of  real  military  genius. 

"His  knowledge  "(said  Gen.  Knox  to  a  distinguished  citizen 
of  South  Carolina,)  "is  intuitive.  He  came  to  us  the  rawest, 
and  most  untutored  being  I  ever  met  with ;  but  in  less  than- 
CM  Pickering  and  others. 


124  NATHAN  HALL. 

twelve  months,  he  was  equal  in  military  knowledge  to  any  gen- 
eral officer  in  the  afmy,  and  very  superior  to  most  of  them.'* 
Even  the  enemy  he  conquered,  did  homage  to  his  pre-eminent 
talents  for  war.  Tarlton,  who  had  strong  ground  to  know  him. 
is  reported  to  have  pronounced  him,  on  a  public  occasion,  the 
most  able  and  accomplished  commander  that  America  had  pro- 
duced. 

When  acting  under  the  order  of  others,  he  never  failed  to  dis- 
charge, to  their  satisfaction,  the  duties  intrusted  to  him,  howev- 
er arduous.  But  it  is  the  southern  department  of  the  union,  that 
constitutes  the  theatre  of  his  achievements  and  fame.  It  w  ar- 
there,  where  his  views  were  unshackled,  and  his  genius  free, 
that  by  performing  the  part  of  a  great  captain,  he  erected  for 
himself  a  monument  of  reputation,'  durable  as  history,  lofty  as 
victory  and  conquest  could  render  it,  and  brightened  by  all  that 
glory  could  bestow. 

In  compliment  to  his  brilliant  successes,  the  chivalric  De  h 
Luzerne,  the  minister  of  France,  who  as  a  Knight  of  Malta, 
must  be  considered  as  a  competent  judge  of  military  merit,  thus 
speaks  of  him: — "Other  Generals  subdue  their  enemies  by  th<- 
means  with  which  their  country,  or  their  sovereign  furnished 
them,  but  Greene  appears  to  subdue  his  enemy  by  his  own 
means.  He  commenced  his  campaign,  without  either  an  army, 
provisions, or  military  stores.  He  has  asked  for  nothing  since; 
and  yet,  scarcely  a  post  arrives  from  the  south,  that  does  not 
bring  intelligence  of  some  new  advantage  gained  over  his  foe. 
He  conquers  by  magic.     History  furnishes  no.parallel  to  Ibis." 


S  ATI  IAN   HALE, 

<  'aptain  in  the  American  Army. 

After  the  unfortunate  engagement  on  Long  Island,  GreneraJ 
Washington  called  a  council  of  war,  who  determined  on  an  im- 
mediate retreat  to  New  York.  The  intention  was  prudent!; 
concealed  from  the  army,  who  knew  not  whither  they  were  go- 
ing, but  imagined  it  was  to  attack  the  enemy.     The  field  aslil 


jNATHAN  HALE.  125 

tery,  tents,  baggage,  and  ^bout  9,000  men,  were  conveyed  to  the 
city  of  New  York,  over  the  East  River,  more  than  a  mile  wide, 
in  less  than  thirteen  hours,  and  without  the  knowledge  of  the 
British,  though  not  six  hundred  yards  distant.  Providence 
in  a  remarkable  manner  favored  the  retreating  army.  The 
wind,  which  seemed  to  prevent  the  troops  getting  over  at  the 
appointed  hour,  afterward  shifted  to  their  wishes. 

Perhaps  the  fate  of  America  was  never  suspended  by  a  more 
brittle  thread  than  previously  to  this  memorable  retreat.  A 
spectacle  is  here  presented  of  an  army,  destined  for  the  defence 
of  a  great  continent,  driven  to  the  narrow  borders  of  an  island, 
with  a  victorious  army  double  its  number  in  front,  with  naviga- 
ble waters  in  its  pear;  constantly  liable  to  have  its  communica- 
tion cut  off  by  the  enemy's  navy,  and  every  moment  exposed  to 
an  attack.  The  presence  of  mind  which  animated  the  com- 
mander-in-chief in  this  critical  situation,  the  prudence  with 
Avhich  all  the  necessary  measures  were  executed,  redounded  as 
much  or  more  to  his  honor  than  the  most  brilliant  victories.  An 
army,  to  which  America  looked  for  safety,  preserved;  a  gene- 
ral, who  was  considered  as  an  host  himself,  saved  for  the  future 
necessities  of  his  country.  Had  not,  however,  the  circumstan- 
ces of  the  night,  of  the  wind  and  weather,  been  favorable,  the 
plan,  however  well  concerted,  must  have  been  defeated.  To  a 
good  Providence,  therefore,  are  the  people  of  America  indebted 
tor  the  complete  success  of  an  enterprise  so  important  in  its  con- 
sequences. 

This  retreat  left  the  British  iji  complete  possession  of  Long 
Tsland.  What  would  be  their  future  operations  remained  un- 
certain. To  obtain  information  of  their  situation,  their  strength* 
md  future  movements,  was  of  high  importance.  For  this  pur- 
pose Gen.  Washington  applied  to  Colonel  Knowlton,  who  com- 
manded a  regiment  of  light  infantry,  which  formed  the  rear  of 
the  American  army,  and  desired  him  to  adopt  some  mode  of  gam 
ing  the  necessary  information.  Colonel  Knowlton  communica 
red  this  request  fo  Captain  Nathan  Hale,  of  Connecticut,  who 
(fas  a  captain  in  his  regiment. 

This  young  officer,  animated  by  a  sense  of  duh\  and  consider*- 


126  NATHAN  HALE. 

ing  that  an  opportunity  presented  itself  by  which  he  might  be 
useful  to^his  country,  at  once  offered  himself  a  volunteer  for  this 
hazardous  service.  He  passed  in  disguise  to  Long  Island,  and 
examined  every  part  of  the  British  army,  and  obtained  the  best 
possible  information  respecting  their  situation  and  future  ope- 
rations. 

In  his  attempt  to  return  he  was  apprehended,  carried  before 
Sir  William  Howe,  and  the  proof  of  his  object  was  so  clear^ 
that  he  frankly  acknowledged  who  he  was,  and  what  were  his 
views.  Sir  William  Howe  at  once  gave  an  order  to  have  him 
executed  the  next  morning. 

This  order  was  accordingly  executed  in  a  mo6t  unfeeling  man- 
ner, and  by  as  great  a  savage  as  ever  disgraced  humanity.  A 
clergyman,  whose  attendance  he  desired,  was  refused  him;  a 
Bible  for  a  few  moments'  devotion  was  not  procured,  although 
he  wished  it.  Letters,  which  on  the  morning  of  his  execution, 
he  wrote  to  his  mother,  and  other  friends,  were  destroyed;  and 
this  very  extraordinary  reason  given  by  the  grovost-martial, 
*'that  the  rebels  should  not  know  they  had  a  man  in  their 
army  who  could  die  with  so  much  firmness." 

Unknown  to  all  around  him,  without  a  single  friend  to  offer 
him  the  least  consolation,  thus  fell  as  amiable  and  as  worthy  a 
young  man  as  America  could  boast,  with  this  as  his  dying  obser- 
vation: that  "he  only  lamented  that  he  had  but  one  life  to 

LOSE  FOR  HIS  COUNTRY." 

Although  the  manner  of  this  execution  will  ever  be  abhorred 
by  every  friend  to  humanity  and  religion,  yet  there  cannot  be  a 
question  but  that  the  sentence  was  conformable  to  the  rules  of 
war,  and  the  practice  of  nations  in  similar  cases. 

It  is,  however,  but  justice  to  the  character  of  Captain  Hale 
to  observe,  that  his  motives  for  engaging  in  .this  service  were 
entirely  different  from  those  which  generally  influence  others  in 
.similar-circumstances.  Neither  expectation  of  promotion,  nor 
pecuniary  reward,  induced  him  to  this  attempt.  A  sense  of 
duty,  a  hope  that  he  might  in  this  way  be  useful  to  his  country, 
and  an  opinion  which  he  had  adopted,  that  every  kind  of  ser- 
vice necessary  to  the  general  good  became  honorable  by  Being 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  ^ 

accessary,  were  the  great  motives  which  induced  him  to  engage 
in  an  enterprise  by  which  his  connexions  lost  a  most  amiable 
friend,  and  his  country  one  of  its  most  promising  supporters. 

The  fate  of  this  most  unfortunate  young  man,  excites  the 
most  interesting  reflections.  To  see  such  a  character,  in  the 
flower  of  youth,  cheerfully  treading  in  the  most  hazardous 
paths,  influenced  by  the  purest  intentions,  and  only  emulous  to 
do  good  to  his  country,  without  the  imputation  of  a  crime,  fall  a 
victim  to  policy,  must  have  been  wounding  to  the  feelings  even 
of  his  enemies. 

Should  a  comparison  be  drawn  between  Major  Andre  and 
Captain  Hale,  injustice  would  be  done  to  the  latter,  should  he 
not  be  placed  on  an  equal  ground  with  the  former.  While  al- 
most every  historian  of  the  American  revolution  has  celebrated 
the  virtues  and  lamented  the  fate  of  Andre,  Hale  has  remained 
unnoticed,  and  it  is  scarcely  known  such  a  character  existed. 

To  the  memory  of  Andre  his  country  has  erected  the  most 
magnificent  monuments,  and  bestowed  on  his  family  the  highest 
honors  and  most  liberal  rewards.  To  the  memory  of  Hale,  not 
a  stone  has  been  erected,  nor  an  inscription  to  preserve  his  ashes 
from  insult ! 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON, 

Inspector-General  in  the  American  Army. 

Colonel  Hamilton  was  a  native  of  the  Island  of  St.  Croix, 
and  was  born  in  1757.  His  father  was  the  younger  son  of  an 
English  family,  and  his  mother  was  an  American  lady  of  re- 
spectable connexions.  At  the  age  of  sixteen,  he  accompanied 
his  mother  to  New-York,  and  entered  a  student  of  Columbia 
College,  in  which  he  continued  about  three  years.  While  a 
member  of  this  institution,  the  first  buddings  of  his  intellect 
gave  presages  of  his  future  eminence. 

The  contest  with  Great  Britain  called  forth  the  first  talent- 
on  each  side,  and  his  juvenile  pen  asserted  the  violated  rights  of 
'be  American  colonies  against  the  most  respectable  writers. 


128  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON . 

His  papers  exhibited  such  evidence  of  intellect  and  wisdom,  thai 
they  were  ascribed  to  Mr.  Jay ;  and  when  the  truth  was  disco- 
vered,  America  saw,  with  astonishment,  a  lad  of  seventeen,  in 
the  list  of  her  able  advocates. 

The  first  sound  of  war  awakened  his  martial  spirit,  and,  at 
the  age  of  eighteen  he  entered  the  army  as  captain,  in  the 
corps  of  artillery.  Soon  after  the  war  was  transferred  to  the 
Hudson,  in  1777,  his  superior  endowments  recommended  him 
to  the  attention  of  the  commander-in-chief,  into  whose  family, 
before  completing  his  twenty-first  year,  he  was  invited  to  enter, 
as  an  aid,  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel.  Equally  brave 
and  intelligent,  he  continued  in  this  situation  to  display  a  degree 
of  firmness  and  capacity  which  commanded  the  confidence  and 
esteem  of  the  principal  officers  in  the  army. 

His  sound  understanding,  comprehensive  views,  application 
and  promptitude  soon  gained  him  the  entire  confidence  of  Gen- 
eral Washington.  In  such  a  school,  it  was  impossible  but  that; 
his  genius  should  be  nourished.  By  intercourse  with  his  gene- 
ral, by  surveying  his  plans, observing  his  consummate  prudence, 
and  by  a  minute  inspection  of  the  springs  of  national  opera- 
tions, lie  became  fitted  for  command. 

Throughout  the  campaign,  which  terminated  in  the  capture 
of  Lord  Cornwallis,  Col.  Hamilton  commanded  a  battalion  of 
light  infantry.  At  the  siege  of  York,  in  1 731,  when  the  second 
parallel  was  opened,  two  redoubts,  which  flanked  itj  and  were 
advanced  three  hundred  yards  in  front  of  the  British  works,  very 
much  annoyed  the  men  in  the  trenches:  it  was  resolved  to  possess- 
them;  and  to  prevent  jealousies,  the  attack  of  the  one  was  com- 
mitted to  the  French,  and  of  the  other  to  the  Americans.  The 
detachment  of  the  Americans  was  commanded  by  the  Marquis 
de  la  Fayette  -r  and  Colonel  Hamilton,  at  his  own  earnest  re- 
quest, led  the  advanced  corps,  consisting  of  two  battalions. 
Towards  the  close  of  the  day,  on  the  fourteenth  of  October,  the 
troops  rushed  to  the  charge  without  Aring  a  single  gun;  and  so 
great  was  their  ardour  that,  they  did  not  give  the  sappers  time 
to  remove  the  abattis  and  palisades.  Passing  over  them,  they 
availed  the  works  with  irresistible  impetuosity  on  all  sides  at 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  129 

once,  and  entered  them  with  such  rapidity  that  their  loss  was 
inconsiderable.  The  irritation  produced  by  the  recent  carnage 
at  Fort  Griswold,  had  not  so  far  subdued  the  humanity  of  the 
American  character  as  to  induce  retaliation.  Not  a  man  was 
killed  except  in  action.  "  Incapable,1'  said  Colonel  Hamilton, 
in  his  report,  "  of  imitating  examples  of  barbarity,  and  forget- 
ting recent  provocation,  the  soldiery  spared  every  man,  thai 
ceased  to  resist." 

Soon  after  the  capture  of  Cornwallis,  Hamilton  sheathed  his 
sword,  aod  being  encumbered  with  a  family,  and  destitute  ot 
funds,  at  the  age  of  twenty-five,  applied  to  the  study  of  the  law. 
In  this  profession  he  soon  rose  to  distinction.  But  the  critical 
circumstances  of  the  existing  government,  induced  him  to  accept 
a  seat  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States.  In  all  the  impor- 
tant acts  of  the  day,  he  performed  a  conspicuous  part,  and  was 
greatly  distinguished  among  those  distinguished  characters  whom 
the  crisis  had  attracted  to  the  councils  of  the  country.  Being 
a  member  of  Congress,  while  the  question  of  the  commutation 
of  the  half  pay  of  the  army  for  a  sum  in  gross,  was  in  debate, 
delicacy,  and  a  desire  to  be  useful  to  the  army,  by  removing  the 
idea  of  his  having  an  interest  in  the  question,  induced  him  to 
write  to  the  secretary  of  war,  and  relinquish  his  claim  to  half 
pay,  which,  or  the  equivalent,  he  never  received. 

We  have  now  arrived  at  an  interesting  and  important  period 
in  the  life  of  Hamilton.  After  witnessing  the  debility  of  the 
old  confederation,  and  its  inefficiency  to  accomplish  the  objects 
proposed  by  its  articles,  viz.  "common  defence,  security  of 
liberty,  and  general  welfare,"  a  convention  of  the  states  was 
agreed  upon,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  an  efficient  federal 
government.  In  this  convention  was  collected  the  sound  wis- 
dom of  the  country — the  patriots  and  sages,  who,  by  their  valour 
and  their  prudence,  had  carried  her  triumphantly  through  the 
stormy  period  of  the  revolution,  and  had  given  her  a  name 
among  the  nations  of  the  earth.  To  this  convention  Hamilton 
was  appointed  a  delegate  from  the  state  of  New- York.  It  con- 
vened at  the  state  house  in  Philadelphia,  May  25,  1787.  A 
unanimous  vote  placed  General  Washington  in  the  chair. 
17 


130  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

"It  was  soon  found,"  says  Mr.  Martin,  one  of  the  delegates 
from  Maryland,  "there  were  among  us  three  different  parties,  of 
very  different  sentiments  and  views.  One  party,  whose  object 
and  wish  it  was  to  abolish  and  annihilate  all  state  governments, 
and  to  bring  forward  one  general  government  over  this  extensive 
continent,  of  a  monarchical  nature,  under  certain  restrictions 
and  limitations: — Those  who  openly  avowed  this  sentiment 
were,  it  is  true,  but  few,  yet  is  is  equally  true,  sir,  that  there  was 
a  considerable  number  who  did  not  openly  avow  it,  who  were, 
by  myself,  and  many  others  of  the  convention,  considered  as 
being  rn  reality  favorers  of  that  sentiment,  and  acting  upon 
those  principles,  covertly  endeavoring  to  carry  into  effect  what 
they  well  knew  openly  and  avowedly  could  not  be  accomplished. 

"  The  Second  party  was  not  for  the  abolition  of  the  state  go- 
vernments, nor  for  the  introduction  of  a  monarchical  govern- 
ment under  any  form:  but  they  wished  to  establish  such  a  system 
as  could  give  their  own  states  undue  power  and  influence  in  the 
government  over  the  other  states. 

"  A  third  party  was  what  I  considered  truly  federal  and  re- 
publican- this  party  was  nearly  equal  in  number  with  the  other 
two,  and  were  composed  of  the  delegations  from  Connecticut, 
New-York,  New- Jersey,  Delaware,  and  in  part  from  Maryland ; 
also  of  some  individuals  from  other  representations.,, 

During  the  heat  of  party  animosity,  much  was  said  and  writ 
ten  o,f  the  monarchical  views  of  Hamilton,  and  of  his  attempts 
in  the  convention  which  formed  our  constitution,  to  carry  those 
Views  into  effect.  How  far  the  sentiments  imputed  to  him  are 
correct,  the  following  paper,  read  by  him,  as  containing  his  ideas 
of  a  suitable  plan  of  government  for  the  United  States  will 
show : — 

"1.  The  supreme  legislative  power  of  the  United  States  of 
America  to  be  vested  in  two  distinct  bodies  of  men,  the  one  to  be 
called  the  assembly,  the  other  the  senate,  who,  together  shall  form 
the  legislature  of  the  United  States,  with  power  to  pass  all  laws 
whatsoever,  subject  to  the  negative  hereafter  mentioned. 

"  2.  The  assembly  to  consist  of  persons  elected  by  the  peo- 
ple, to  serve  for  three  years. 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON,  13i 

;#  3.  The  senate  to  consist  of  persons  elected  to  serve  during 
good  behaviour ;  their  election  to  be  made  by  electors  chosen  for 
that  purpose  by  the  people.  In  order  to  this,  the  states  to  be  divi- 
ded into  election  districts.  On  the  death,  removal,  or  resigna- 
tion of  any  senator,  his  place  to  be  filled  out  of  the  district  from 
which  he  came. 

«*  4.  The  supreme  executive  authority  of  the  United  States 
to  be  vested  in  a  governor,  to  be  elected  to  aerve  during  good 
behaviour.  His  election  to  be  made  by  electors,  chosen  by 
electors,  chosen  by  the  people,  in  the  election  districts  aforesaid. 
His  authorities  and  functions  to  be  as  follows: — 

<4  To  have  a  negative  upon  all  laws  about  to  be  passed,  and 
the  execution  of  all  laws  passed;  to  have  the  entire  direction  of 
war,  when  authorized,  or  begun:  to  have,  with  the  advice  and 
approbation  of  the  senate,  the  power  of  making  all  treaties;  to 
have  the  sole  appointment  of  the  heads  or  chief  officers  of  the 
departments  of  finance,  war,  and  foreign  affairs;  to  have  the 
nomination  of  all  other  officers,  (ambassadors  to  foreign  nations 
included)  subject  to  the  approbation  or  rejection  of  the  senate; 
to  have  the  power  of  pardoning  all  offences,  except  treason, 
which  he  shall  not  pardon,  without  the  approbation  of  the  senate. 

"  5.  On  the  death,  resignation,  or  removal  of  the  governor, 
his  authorities  to  be  exercised  by  the  president  of  the  senate, 
until  a  successor  be  appointed. 

"  6.  The  senate  to  have  the  sole  power  of  declaring  war; 
the  power  of  advising  and  approving  all  treaties;  the  power  of 
approving  or  rejecting  all  appointments  of  officers,  except  the 
heads  or  chiefs  of  the  departments  of  finance,  war,  and  foreign 
affairs. 

"  7.  The  supreme  judicial  authority  of  the  United  States 
to  be  vested  in  judges,  to  hold  their  offices  during  good  be- 
haviour, with  adequate  and  permanent  salaries.  This  court  to 
have  original  jurisdiction  in  all  cases  of  capture;  and  an  appel- 
lative jurisdiction  in  all  causes,  in  which  the  revenues  of  the 
general  government,  or  the  citizens  of  foreign  nations,  are  con- 
cerned. 

"  8.     The  legislature  of  the  United  States  to  have  power  fn 


132  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

institute  courts  in  each  state,  for  the  determination  of  all  mat- 
ters of  general  concern. 

"  9.  The  governors,  senators,  and  all  officers  of  the  United 
States,  to  he  liable  to  impeachment,  for  mal  and  corrupt  con- 
duct; and,  upon  conviction,  to  be  removed  from  office,  and  dis- 
qualified for  holding  any  place  of  trust  or  profit.  All  im- 
peachments to  be  tried  by  a  court  to  consist  of  the  chief,  or  senior 
judge  of  the  superior  court  of  law  in  each  state;  provided,  that 
such  judge  hold  his  place  during  good  behaviour,  and  have  a 
permanent  salary. 

"  10.  All  laws  of  the  particular  states,  contrary  to  the  con- 
stitution or  laws  of  the  United  States,  to  be  utterly  void.  And 
the  better  to  prevent  such  laws  being  passed,  the  governor  or 
president  of  each  state  shall  be  appointed  by  the  general  gov- 
ernment,, and  shall  have  a  negative  upon  the  laws  about  to  be 
passed  in  the  state  of  which  he  is  governor,  or  president. 

"11.  No  state  to  have  any  forces,  land  or  naval;  and  the 
militia  of  all  the  states  to  be  under  the  sole  and  exclusive  direc- 
tion of  the  United  States;  the  officers  of  which  to  be  appointed 
and  commissioned  by  them." 

Such  being  the  views  of  Hamilton,  the  constitution,  framed 
by  the  convention,  did  not  completely  meet  his  wishes.  He 
was  afraid  it  did  not  contain  sufficient  means  of  strength  for  its 
own  preservation,  and  that  in  consequence  we  should  share  the 
fate  of  many  other  republics,  and  pass  through  anarchy  to  des- 
potism. He  was  in  favor  of  a  more  permanent  executive  and 
senate.  He  wished  for  a  strong  government,  which  would  not 
be  shaken  by  the  conflict  of  different  interests  through  an  ex- 
tensive territory,  and  which  should  be  adequate  to  all  the  forms 
of  national  exigency.  He  was  apprehensive,  that  the  increased 
wealth  and  population  of  the  states  would  lead  to  encroach- 
ments on  the  union.  These  were  his  views  and  feelings,  and  he 
freely  and  honestly  expressed  them. 

A  respectable  member  of  the  convention  once  remarked 
that  if  the  constitution  did  not  succeed,  on  trial,  Mr.  Hamilton 
was  less  responsible  for  that  result  than  any  other  member,  for 
he  fully  and  frankly  pointed  out  to  the  convention  what  he  ap- 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  133 

prehended  were  the  infirmities  to  which  it  was  liable.  And 
that  if  it  answered  the  fond  expectations  of  the  public,  the  com- 
munity would  be  more  indebted  to  Mr.  Hamilton  than  to  any 
other  member;  for  after  its  essential  outlines  were  agreed  to, 
he  labored  most  indefatigably  to  heal  those  infirmities,  and  to 
guard  against  ihe  evils  to  which  they  might  expose  it. 

The  patriotism  of  Hamilton  was  not  of  that  kind  which 
yields  every  thing  because  it  cannot  accomplish  all  that  it  de- 
sires. Believing  the  constitution  incomparably  superior  to  the 
old  confederation,  he  exerted  all  his  talents  in  its  support. 

After  the  publication  o(  the  constitution,  Hamilton,  in  con* 
cert  with  Mr.  Jay,  and  Mr.  Madison,  commenced  the  "Federal- 
ist," a  series  of  essays,  addressed  to  the  people  of  the  state  of 
New-York,  in  favor  of  the  adoption  of  the  constitution.  These 
papers  first  made  their  appearance  in  the  daily  prints,  early  in 
November,  1787,  and  the  work  was  not  concluded  until  a  short 
time  previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  state  convention,  in  June, 
1788.  It  was  well  understood  that  Mr.  Hamilton  was  the  prin- 
cipal author,  and  wrote  at  least  three-fourths  of  the  numbers. 
This  work  is  not  to  be  classed  among  the  ephemeral  productions 
which  are  calculated  to  produce  a  party  purpose,  and  when  that 
purpose  is  answered,  to  expire  for  ever.  It  is  a  profound  and 
learned  disquisition  on  th«  principles  of  a  federal  representative 
government,  and  combines  an  ardent  attachment  to  public  lib- 
erty. This  work  will  no  doubt  endure  as  long  as  any  of  the 
republican  institutions  of  this  country,  on  which  it  is  so  luminous 
and  elegant  a  commentary. 

His  voice  co-operated  with  his  pen.  In  the  convention  of  the 
state,  which  met  to  deliberate  on  the  federal  constitution,  he 
was  returned  a  member,  and  was  always  heard  with  awe,  per- 
haps with  conviction,  though  not  always  with  success.  But 
when  the  crisis  arrived ;  when  a  vote  was  to  determine  whether 
New- York  should  retain  or  relinquish  her  place  in  the  union; 
and  preceding  occurrences  made  it  probable  that  she  would 
choose  the  worst  part  of  the  alternative,  Hamilton  arose  in  re- 
doubled strength.  He  argued,  he  remonstrated,  he  entreated, 
he  warned,  he  painted,  till  apathy  itself  was  moved,  and  the 


134  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON- 

most  relentless  of  human  things,  a  preconcerted  majority,  wad 
staggered  and  broken.  Truth  was  again  victorious,  and  New- 
York  enrolled  herself  under  the  standard  of  the  federal  consti- 
tution. 

The  constitution  having  gone  into  operation,  and  the  execu- 
tive departments  being  established,  Mr.  Hamilton  was  appointed 
in  the  summer  of  1789,  to  the  office  of  secretary  of  the  treasury. 
The  task  of  recruiting  public  credit,  of  drawing  order  and 
arrangement  from  the  chaotic  confusion  in  which  the  finances  of 
America  were  involved,  and  of  devising  means  which  should 
render  the  revenue  productive,  and  commensurate  with  the  de- 
mand, in  a  manner  least  burdensome  to  the  people,  was  justly 
classed  among  the  most  arduous  of  the  duties  which  devolved 
on  the  new  government. 

This  office  he  held  between  five  and  six  years";  and  when  we 
look  back  to  the  measures  that  within  that  period  he  originated, 
matured  and  vindicated,  we  are  astonished  in  the  contempla- 
tion of  the  various  powers  of  his  ingenious  and  exalted  mind. 
Mr.  Hamilton  is  justly  considered  the  Founder  of  the  Public 
Credit  of  this  country. 

The  manner  in  which  the  several  states  entered  into  and 
conducted  the  war  of  the  revolution  will  be  recollected.  Act- 
ing in  some  respect  separately,  and  in  others  conjointly,  for  the 
attainment  of  a  common  object,  their  resources  were  exerted, 
sometimes  under  the  authority  of  Congress,  sometimes  under 
the  authority  of  the  local  governments,  to  repel  the  enemy 
wherever  he  came.  The  debt  incurred  in  support  of  the  war 
was  therefore,  in  the  first  instance,  contracted  partly  by  the  con- 
tinent, and  partly  by  the  states.  When  the  system  of  requisi- 
tion was  adopted,  the  transactions  of  the  union  were  carried  on, 
in  a  great  degree,  through  the  agency  of  the  states,  and  when 
the  measure  of  compensating  the  army,  for  the  depreciation  of 
their  pay,  became  necessary,  this  burden,  under  the  recommen- 
dation of  Congress,  was  assumed  by  the  respective  states.  In 
their  exertions  to  meet  the  calls  of  Congress,  some  degree  of  in- 
equality had  obtained,  and  they  looked  anxiously  to  a  settlement 
of  accounts  between  them. 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  135 

To  assume  these  debts,  and  to  fund  them  in  common  with  that 
which  continued  to  be  the  proper  debt  of  the  union,  was  pro- 
posed by  Mr.  Hamilton,  in  his  first  report  to  Congress,  as  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury. 

This  celebrated  report,  which  has  been  alike  the  fruitful 
theme  of  extravagant  praise  and  bitter  censure,  was  rigorously 
opposed  in  Congress.  It  was  agreed  by  all,  that  the  foreign 
debt  should  be  provided  for  in  the  manner  proposed  by  the 
Secretary,  but  with  respect  to  the  domestic  debt,  the  same  una- 
nimity was  far  from  prevailing.  It  was  contended  that  the 
general  government  would  acquire  an  undue  influence,  and 
that  the  state  governments  would  be  annihilated  by  the  mea- 
sure. Not  only  would  all  the  influence  of  the  public  credit- 
ors, be  thrown  into  the  scale  of  the  former,  but  it  would  absorb 
all  the  powers  of  taxation,  and  leave  the  latter  only  the  shad- 
ow of  a  government.  This  would  probably  terminate  in  ren- 
dering the  state  governments  useless,  and  would  destroy  the 
system  so  recently  establishe-d. 

The  constitutional  authority  of  the  federal  government  to 
assume  these  debts  was  questioned. 

On  the  ground  of  policy  it  was  objected,  that  the  assump- 
tion would  impose  on  the  United  States  a  burden,  the  weight 
of  which  was  unascertained,  and  which  would  require  an  ex- 
tension of  taxation  beyond  the  limits  which  prudence  would 
prescribe.  That  the  debt,  by  being  thus  accumulated,  would 
be  perpetuated,  and  the  Secretary  was  charged  with  the  doc- 
trine, "that  a  public  debt  was  a  public  blessing." 

The  measure  was  said  to  be  unwise  too,  as  it  would  aflfect 
the  public  credit.  Such  an  augmentation  of  the  debt  must 
inevitably  depreciate  its- value;  since  it  was  the  character  of 
paper,  whatever  denomination  it  might  assume,  to  diminish  in 
value  in  proportion  to  the  quantity  in  circulation. 

In  support  of  the  assumption,  the  debts  of  the  states  were 
traced  to  their  origin.  America,  it  was  said,  had  engaged  in 
a  war,  the  object  of  which  was  equally  interesting  to  every 
part  of  the  union.  It  was  not  the  war  of  a  particular  state, 
but  of  the  United  States.     It  was  not  the  liberty  and  indepen- 


136  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

dence  of  a  part,  bat  of  the  whole,  for  which  they  had  contend- 
ed, and  which  they  had  acquired.  The  cause  was  a  common 
cause.  As  brethren,  the  American  people  had  consented  to 
hazard  property  and  life  in  its  defence.  All  the  sums  expend- 
ed in  this  great  object,  whatever  might  be  the  authority  under 
which  they  were  raised  or  appropriated,  conduced  to  the  same 
end.  Troops  were  raised  and  military  stores  were  purchased, 
before  Congress  assumed  the  command  of  the  army,  or  control 
of  the  war.  The  ammunition  which  repulsed  the  enemy  at 
Bunker's  Hill,  was  purchased  by  Massachusetts,  and  formed  a 
part  of  the  debt  of  that  state. 

The  great  moving  principle  which  governed  Hamilton  in  his 
department  was  good  faith.  "  Public  credit,"  said  he,  "  could 
only  be  maintained  by  good  faith,  by  a  punctual  performance 
of  contracts;"  and,  good  faith  was  recommended  not  only  by 
the  strongest  inducements  of  political  expediency,  but  was  en- 
forced by  considerations  of  still  higher  authority.  There  are 
arguments  for  it  which  rest  on  the  immutable  principles  of  mor- 
al obligation.  And  in  proportion  as  the  mind  is  disposed  to  con- 
template in  the  order  of  Providence,  an  intimate  connexion  be- 
tween public  virtue  and  public  happiness,  will  be  its  repugnan- 
cy to  a  violation  of  those  principles. 

"This  reflection,"  he  said,  "derived  additional  strength  from 
the  nature  of  the  debt  of  the  United  States.  It  was  the  price  of 
tiberty.  The  faith  of  America  had  been  repeatedly  pledged  for  it, 
and  with  solemnities  that  gave  peculiar  force  to  the  obligation." 

His  report,  though  strenuously  opposed,  was  finally  adopted, 
and  under  his  administration,  the  finances  advanced  to  a  state 
of  prosperity  beyond  all  expectation,  and  so  as  to  engage  the 
attention,  and  command  the  confidence  of  Europe.  The  effect 
was  electrical.  Commerce  revived,  the  ploughshare  glittered ; 
property  recovered  its  value;  credit  was  established;  revenue 
created;  the  treasury  filled. 

The  insinuation  that  has  often  been  inculcated,  that  Hamil- 
ton patronized  the  doctrine,  that  a  public  debt  was  a  public  bles- 
sing, is  without  the  shadow  of  a  foundation.  He  inculcates 
with  great  solicitude  in  his  reports,  that  "the  progressive  accu- 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  137 

mulation  of  debts  was  the  natural  disease  of  governments;  that 
it  ought  to  be  guarded  against  with  provident  foresight  and  in- 
flexible perseverence;  that  it  ought  to  be  a  fundamental  maxim 
in  the  system  of  public  credit,  that  the  creation  of  public  debt 
should  always  be  accompanied  with  the  means  of  extinguishment.''' 

The  beneficial  effects  of  the  measures  recommended  by  Ham- 
ilton as  Secretary  of  the  Treasury;  and  which  are  known  and 
felt  constantly,  have  at  last  accomplished  what  argument  alone 
could  not  do — they  forced  a  universal  conviction  on  the  public 
mind ;  and  all  the  dread  spectres  which  were  conjured  up  at  the 
time  to  terrify  the  imagination  and  blind  the  judgment,  have 
long  since  disappeared  before  the  light  of  experience.  He  has 
left  to  his  successor  little  more  to  do  than  to  follow  his  precepts, 
and  to  shine  by  the  lustre  of  his  example. 

Mr.  Hamilton,  in  his  character  of  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
was  also  one  of  the  constitutional  advisers  of  the  president,  in 
relation  generally  to  the  duties  of  his  office. 

In  January,  1795,  Hamilton  resigned  the  office  of  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury,  and  once  more  returned  to  private  life.  In  the 
rage  and  rancour  of  party,  at  the  time,  no  wonder  that  the 
tongue  of  slander  followed  him.  So  fair  was  the  opportunity 
of  acquiring  a  princely  fortune  which  was  presented  to  him,  and 
the  disposition  to  profit  by  it,  so  little  at  variance  with  the  com* 
mon  estimate  of  honorable  gain,  that  few  supposed  it  possible 
to  resist  the  temptation.  The  fact  being  presumed,  every  pet- 
ty politician  erected  himself  into  a  critic;  while  the  gazettes, 
the  streets,  the  polls  of  election,  resounded  with  the  millions 
imassed  by  the  Secretary.  It  is  natural  that  the  idolaters  of 
gold  should  treat  the  contempt  of  it  as  a  chimera.  But  gold 
was  not  the  idol  of  Hamilton.  Exquisitely  delicate  toward  of- 
ficial character,  he  touched  none  of  the  advantages  which  he  put 
within  the  reach  of  others;  he  rested  not  a  dollar  in  the  public 
funds.  He  entered  into  the  public  service  with  property  of  his 
own,  the  well-earned  reward  of  professional  talent;  he  contin- 
ued in  it  till  his  funds  were  gone;  and  left  it,  to  get  bread  for  a 
suffering  family.  It  was  surely  enough  that  he  had  impover- 
ished himself  while  he  was  enriching  thf  rommonwraHb :  buf 
18 


138  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

it  was  beyond  measure  insulting  to  charge  him,  under  such  cii^ 
cumstances,  with  invading  the  public  purse. 

The  last  great  occasion  which  called  Hamilton  upon  the 
theatre  of  public  action,  existed  in  the  spring  of  the  year  1798. 
It  will  be  recollected  that  France  had  been  long  making  pi- 
ratical depredations  upon  our  commerce;  that  our  ministers 
had  been  treated  with  the  grossest  indignity,  and  money  de- 
manded of  the  United  States  on  terms  the  most  degrading. 
Open  and  determined  war  was  the  consequence. 

Washington  was  appointed  Lieutenant-General  and  Comman- 
der-in-chief. The  following  letter  from  him  to  President  Adams, 
on  the  subject  of  appointing  Hamilton  to  the  second  in  com- 
mand, shows  his  high  standing  in  the  opinion  of  the  illustrious 
Washington, 

"Mount -Vernon,  Sept.  25,  1798. 

"  It  is  an  invidious  task,  at  all  times,  to  draw  comparisons, 
and  I  shall  avoid  it  as  much  as  possible;  but  I  have  no  hesita- 
tion in  declaring,  that  if  the  public  is  to  be  deprived  of  the 
services  of  Col.  Hamilton  in  the  military  line,  the  post  he  was 
destined  to  fill  will  not  easily  be  supplied — and  that  this  is  the 
sentiment  of  the  public,  1  think  I  may  venture  to  pronounce. 
Although  Colonel  Hamilton  has  never  acted  in  the  character 
of  a  general  officer,  yet  his  opportunities,  as  the  principal  and 
most  confidential  aid  of  the  commander-in-chief,  afforded  him  the 
means  of  viewing  every  thing  on  a  larger  scale  than  those  who 
had  only  divisions  and  brigades  to  attend  to;  who  knew  nothing 
of  the  correspondences  of  the  commander-in-chief,  or  of  the 
various  orders  to,  or  transactions  with,  the  general  staff  of  the 
army.  These  advantages,  and  his  having  served  with  useful- 
ness in  the  old  Congress,  in  the  general  convention,  and  having 
filled  one  of  the  most  important  departments  of  government  with 
acknowledged  abilities  and  integrity,  have  placed  him  on  high 
ground;  and  made  him  a  conspicuous  character  in  the  United 
States,  and  even  in  Europe.  To  these,  as  a  matter  of  no  small 
consideration,  may  be  added,  that  as  a  lucrative  practice  in  the 
line  of  his  profession  is  his  most  certain  dependence,  the  induce- 
ment to  relinquish  it  must  in  some  degree  be  commensurate. 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  139 

By  some  he  is  considered  as  an  ambitious  man,  and  therefore  a 
dangerous  one.  That  he  is  ambitious  I  shall  readily  grant,  but 
it  is  of  that  laudable  kind,  which  prompts  a  man  to  excel  in  what- 
fver  he  takes  in  hand. 

"He  is  enterprising,  quick  in  his  perceptions — and  his  judg- 
ment intuitively  great:  qualities  essential  to  a  great  military 
•  haracter;  and  therefore  I  repeat,  that  his  loss  will  be  irreparable. 

"GEORGE  WASHINGTON." 

Hamilton  was  accordingly  appointed  Inspector  General, 
agreeable  to  the  wishes  of  Washington.  On  the  death  of  that 
great  man,  he  succeeded  to  the  office  of  commander-in-chief, 
and  continued  in  that  character  until  the  army  was  disbanded 
in  the  summer  of  1 800,  when  he  returned  again  to  his  profession 
in  the  city  of  New  York.  In  this  place  he  passed  the  remain- 
der of  his  days. 

In  June,  1804,  Colonel  Burr,  Vice-president  of  the  United 
States,  addressed  a  letter  to  General  Hamilton,  requiring  his 
acknowledgment  or  denial  of  the  use  of  any  expression  derog- 
atory to  the  honor  of  the  former.  Perhaps  the  most  satisfactory 
manner  of  introducing  the  reader  to  this  subject,  will  be  to  begin 
with  the  correspondence  which  led  to  the  fatal  interview.  It  is 
as  follows: 

New  York,  June  18,  1804. 
Sir — I  send  for  your  perusal  a  letter  signed  Charles  D.  Cotf. 
per,  which,  though  apparently  published  some  time  ago,  has  but 
very  recently  come  to  my  knowledge.  Mr.  Van  Ness,  who  does 
me  the  favor  to  deliver  this,  will  point  out  to  you  that  clause  of 
the  letter  to  which  I  particularly  request  your  attention. 

You  must  perceive,  Sir,  the  necessity  of  a  prompt  and  un- 
qualified acknowledgment  or  denial  of  the  use  of  any  expres- 
sion which  would  warrant  the  assertions  of  Dr.  Cooper. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obedient  serv't, 

A.  BURR. 
Gen.  Hamilton. 

New   York,  June  20,  1804. 
Sir— 1  havr:  maturely  reflected  on  the  subject  qf  your  letter 


140  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

of  the  18th  iust.  and  the  more  I  have  reflected  the  more  I  haw- 
become  convinced,  that  I  could  not,  without  manifest  impropri- 
ety, make  the  avowal  or  disavowal  which  you  seem  to  think  ne- 
cessary. The  clause  pointed  out  by  Mr.  Van  Ness  is  in  these 
terms:  "I  could  detail  to  you  n  still  more  despicable  opinion  which 
General  Hamilton  has  expressed  of  Mr.  Burr.1'  To  endeavor 
to  discover  the  meaning  of  this  declaration,  I  was  obliged  to 
seek,  in  the  antecedent  part  of  this  letter,  for  the  opinion  to 
which  it  referred,  as  having  been  already  disclosed.  I  found 
it  in  these  words: — "General  Hamilton  and  Judge  Kent  have 
declared,  in  substance,  that  they  looked  upon  Mr.  Burr  to  be  a 
dangerous  man,  and  one  who  ought  not  to  be  trusted  with  the 
reins  of  government." 

The  language  of  Dr.  Cooper  plainly  implies,  that  he  consid- 
ered this  opinion  of  you,  which  he  attributes  to  me,  as  a  despi- 
cable one;  but  he  affirms  that  1  have  expressed  some  other, more 
despicable,  without,  however,  mentioning  to  whom,  when  or 
where.  'Tis  evident  that  the  phrase  "still  more  despicable,'"" 
admits  of  infinite  shades,  from  very  light  to  very  dark.  How 
am  1  to  judge  of  the  degree  intended?  or  how  shall  I  annex  any 
precise  idea  to  language  so  indefinite? 

Between  gentlemen,  despicable,  and  more  despicable  arc  not 
worth  the  pains  of  distinction;  when,  therefore,  you  do  not  in- 
terrogate me,  as  to  the  opinion  which  is  specifically  ascribed  to 
me,  I  must  conclude,  that  you  view  it  as  within  the  limits  to 
which  the  animadversions  of  political  opponents  upon  each  other 
may  justifiably  extend,  and  consequently  as  not  warranting  the 
idea  of  it  which  Dr.  Cooper  appears  to  entertain.  If  so,  whai 
precise  inference  could  you  draw,  as  a  guide  for  your  condud, 
were  I  to  acknowledge  that  I  had  expressed  an  opinion  of  you 
still  more  despicable  than  the  one  which  is  particularized?  How 
could  you  be  sure  that  even  this  opinion  had  exceeded  the 
bounds  which  you  would  yourself  deem  admissible  between 
political  opponents? 

But  I  forbear  further  comment  on  the  embarrassment,  to 
which  the  requisition  you  have  made  naturally  leads.  The  oc- 
casion forbids  a  more  ample  illustration,  though  nothing  could 
be  more  easy  than  to  pursue  if. 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  141 

Repeating  that  I  cannot  reconcile  it  with  propriety  lo  make  the 
acknowledgment  or  denial  you  desire,  I  will  add  that  I  deem  it 
inadmissible  on  principle,  to  consent  to  be  interrogated  as  to  the 
"justness  of  the  inferences  which  may  be  drawn  by  others  from 
whatever  I  may  have  said  of  a  political  opponent,  in  the  course  of 
fifteen  years  competition.  If  there  were  no  other  objection  to 
it,  this  is  sufficient,  that  it  would  tend  to  expose  my  sincerity  and 
delicacy  to  injurious  imputations  from  every  person  who  may  at 
any  time  have  conceived  the  import  of  my  expressions,  differently 
from  what  I  may  then  have  intended  or  may  afterward  recollect. 
I  stand  ready  to  avow  or  disavow  promptly  and  explicitly  any  pre- 
cise or  definite  opinion  which  I  maybe  charged  with  having 
declared  of  any  gentleman. — More  than  this  cannot  be  fitly  ex- 
pected from  me;  and  especially  it  cannot  be  reasonably  expec- 
ted that  I  shall  enter  into  an  explanation  upon  a  basis  so  vague  as 
that  which  you  have  adopted.  I  trust,  on  more  reflection,  you 
will  see  the  matter  in  the  same  light  with  me.  If  not,  I  can  only 
regret  the  circumstance,  and  must  abide  the  consequences. 

The  publication  of  Dr.  Cooper  was  never  seen  by  me  till  at 
fcr  the  receipt  of  your  letter. 

I  have  tho  honor  to  be,  &c. 

A.  HAMILTON. 
<  oL  Burr. 

J\Tezo-York,  21  si  June,  1804. 

Sir — Your  letter  of  the  20th  instant,  has  been  this  day  recei- 
ved. Having  considered  it  attentively,  I  regret  to  find  in  it 
nothing  of  that  sincerity  and  delicacy  which  you  profess  to 
value. 

Political  opposition  can  never  absolve  gentlemen  from  the 
necessity  of  a  rigid  adherence  to  the  laws  of  honor,  and  the 
rules  of  decorum.  I  neither  claim  such  privilege  nor  indulge 
it  in  others.  -• 

The  common  sense  of  mankind  affixes  to  fhe  epithet  adopted 
by  Dr.  Cooper,  the  idea  of  dishonor.  It  has  been  publicly  ap- 
plied to  me  under  the  sanction  of  your  name.  The  question  is 
not,  whether  he  has  understood  the  meaning  of  the  word,  or  has 
u«ed  it  according  to  syntax, and  with  grammatical  accuracy:  but 


142  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

whether  you  have  authorized  this  application,  either  directly  or 
by  uttering  expressions  or  opinions  derogatory  to  my  honor. 
The  time  "  when"  is  in  your  own  knowledge,  but  no  way  mate- 
rial to  me,  as  the  calumny  has  now  first  been  disclosed,  so  as  to 
become  the  subject  of  my  notice,  and  as  the  effect  is  present 
and  palpable. 

Your  letter  has  furnished  me  with  new  reasons  for  requiring 
a  definite  reply. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Sir,  your  obedient, 

A.  BURR. 
Gen.  Hamilton. 

On  Saturday,  the  22d  of  June,  General  Hamilton,  for  the  first 
time,  called  on  Mr.  Pendleton,  and  communicated  to  him  the 
preceding  correspondence.  He  informed  him  that  in  a  conver- 
sation with  Mr.  Van  Ness,  at  the  time  of  receiving  the  last  letter, 
he  told  Mr.  Van  Ness  that  he  considered  that  letter  as  rude  and 
offensive,  and  that  it  was  not  possible  for  him  to  give  it  any  other 
answer  than  that  Mr.  Burr  must  take  such  steps  as  he  might 
think  proper.  He  said  further,  that  Mr.  Van  Ness  requested 
him  to  take  time  to  deliberate,  and  then  return  an  answer,  when 
he  might  possibly  entertain  a  different  opinion,  and  that  he 
would  call  on  him  to  receive  it.  That  his  reply  to  Mr.  Van 
Ness  was,  that  he  did  not  perceive  it  possible  for  him  to  give 
any  other  answer  than  that  he  had  mentioned,  unless  Mr.  Burr 
would  take  back  his  last  letter  and  write  one  which  would  ad- 
mit of  a  different  reply.  He  then  gave  Mr.  Pendleton  the  let- 
ter hereafter  mentioned,  of  the  22d  June,  to  be  delivered  to 
Mr.  Van  Ness,  when  he  should  call  on  Mr.  Pendleton  for  an 
answer,  and  went  to  his  country  house. 

The  next  day  General  Hamilton  received  while  there,  the 
following  letter: — 

June  23d,  1804. 

Sir — In  the  afternoon  of  yesterday,  I  reported  to  Col.  Burr 
the  result  of  my  last  interview  with  you,  and  appointed  the  eve- 
ning to  receive  his  further  instructions.     Some  private  engage 
ments,  however,  prevented  me  from  calling  on  him  till  (his  mor 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  143 

mng.  On  my  return  to  the  city,  I  found,  upon  enquiry,  both  at 
your  office  and  house,  that  you  had  returned  to  your  residence 
in  the  country.  Lest  an  interview  there  might  be  less  agreea- 
ble to  you  than  elsewhere,  I  have  taken  the  liberty  of  addressing 
you  this  note  to  inquire  when  and  where  it  will  be  most  conve* 
nient  for  you  to  receive  a  communication, 

Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

W.  P.  VAN  NESS. 
Gen.  Hamilton. 

Mr.  Pendleton  understood  from  General  Hamilton  that  he 
immediately  answered,  that  if  the  communication  was  pressing 
he  would  receive  it  at  his  country  house  that  day;  if  not,  he 
would  be  at  his  house  in  town  the  next  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 
But  he  did  not  give  Mr.  Pendleton  any  copy  of  this  note. 

Mew-York,  June  22,  1804. 

Sir — Your  first  letter,  in  a  style  |too  peremptory,  made  a  de- 
mand, in  my  opinion,  unprecedented  and  unwarrantable.  My 
answer,  pointing  out  the  embarrassment,  gave  you  an  opportu- 
nity to  take  a  less  exceptionable  course.  You  have  not  chosen 
to  do  it;  but  by  your  last  letter,  received  this  day,  containing  ex- 
pressions indecorous  and  improper,  you  have  increased  the  diffi- 
culties to  explanation  intrinsically  incident  to  the  nature  of  your 
application. 

If  by  a  "  definite  reply,"  you  mean  the  direct  avowal  or  disa- 
vowal required  in  your  first  letter,  I  have  no  other  answer  to  give, 
than  that  which  has  already  been  given.  If  you  mean  any  thing 
different,  admitting  of  greater  latitude,  it  is  requisite  you  should 
explain. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

ALEX.  HAMILTON. 

jVaron  Burr,  Esq. 

This  letter,  although  dated  on  the  22d  of  June,  remained  in 
Mr.  Pendleton's  possession  until  the  25th,  within  which  period  hg 
had  several  conversations  with  Mr.  Van  Ness.  In  these  con- 
versations Mr.  Pendleton  endeavored  to  illustrate  and  enforce 


144  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

ih<?  propriety  of  the  ground  General  Hamilton  had  taken.  Mi , 
Pendleton  mentioned  to  Mr.  Van  Ness  as  the  result,  that  if  Col. 
Burr  would  write  a  letter,  requesting  to  know  in  substance 
whether,  in  the  conversation  to  which  Dr.  Cooper  alluded,  any 
particular  instance  of  dishonorable  conduct  was  imputed  to  Col. 
Burr,  or  whether  there  was  any  impeachment  of  his  private 
character,  General  Hamilton  would  declare  to  the  best  of  his 
recollection,  what  passed  in  that  conversation:  and  Mr.  Pendle- 
ton read  to  Mr.  Van  Ness  a  paper  containing  the  substance  of 
what  General  Hamilton  would  say  on  that  subject,  which  is  as 
follows: — 

"  General  Hamilton  says  he  cannot  imagine  to  what  Dr.  Coo- 
per may  have  alluded,  unless  it  were  to  a  conversation  at  Mr. 
Tayler's  in  Albany,  last  winter,  (at  which  he  and  Gen.  Hamil- 
ton were  present.)  Gen.  Hamilton  cannot  recollect  distinctly 
the  particulars  of  that  conversation  so  as  to  undertake  to  repeat 
them,  without  running  the  risk  of  varying,  or  omitting  what 
might  be  deemed  important  circumstances.  The  expressions 
are  entirely  forgotten,  and  the  specific  ideas  imperfectly  remem- 
bered; but  to  the  best  of  his  recollection  it  consisted  of  com- 
ments on  the  political  principles  and  views  of  Colonel  Burr,  and 
the  result  that  might  be  expected  from  them  in  the  event  of  his 
election  as  governor,  without  reference  to  any  particular  instance 
of  past  conduct,  or  to  private  character." 

After  the  delivery  of  the  letter  of  the  22d,  as  above  mention- 
ed; in  another  interview  with  Mr.  Van  Ness,  he  desired  Miv 
Pendleton  to  give  him  in  writing  the  substance  of  what  he  had 
proposed  on  the  part  of  General  Hamilton,  which  Mr.  Pendle- 
ton did  in  the  words  following: — 

"  In  answer  to  a  letter  properly  adapted  to  obtain  from  Gene 
ral  Hamilton  a  declaration  whether  he  had  charged  Col.  Bun 
with  any  particular  instance  of  dishonorable  conduct,  or  had 
impeached  his  private  character,  either  in  the  conversation  allu- 
ded to  by  Dr.  Cooper,  or  in  any  other  particular  instance  to  be 
specified:  he  would  be  able  to  answer  consistently  with  his  ho- 
nor, and  the  truth,  in  substance,  that  the  conversation  to  which 
Dr.  Cooper  alluded,  turned  wholly  on  political  topics,  and  did 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  145 

uci  attribute  to  Col.  Burr  any  instance  of  dishonorable  conduct, 
nor  relate  to  his  private  character;  and  in  relation  to  any  other 
language  or  conversation  of  General  Hamilton  which  Colonel 
Burr  will  specify,  a  prompt  and  frank  avowal  or  denial  will  be 
given." 

On  the  26th  June  Mr.  Pendleton  received  the  following  let- 
ter:— 

Sir — The  letter  which  you  yesterday  delivered  me,  and  your 
subsequent  communication,  in  Col.  Burr's  opinion,  evince  no  dis- 
position, on  the  part  of  Gen.  Hamilton  to  come  to  a  satisfactory 
accommodation.  The  injury  complained  of,  and  the  reparation 
expected,  are  so  definitely  expressed  in  Colonel  Burr's  letter  of 
the  21st  instant,  that  there  is  not  perceived  a  necessity  for  fur- 
ther explanation  on  his  part.  The  difficulty  that  would  result 
from  confining  the  inquiry  to  any  particular  times  and  occasions 
must  be  manifest.  The  denial  of  a  specified  conversation  only, 
would  leave  strong  implications  that  on  other  occasions  impro- 
per language  had  been  used.  When  and  where  injurious 
opinions  and  expressions  have  been  uttered  by  General  Hamil- 
ton, must  be  best  known  to  him,  and  of  him  only  will  Col.  Burr 
inquire.  No  denial  or  declaration  will  be  satisfactory,  unless  it  be 
general,  so  as  wholly  to  exclude  the  idea  that  rumours  derogatory  to 
Col.  Burr's  honor  have  originated  with  Gen.  Hamilton,  or  have  beat 
fairly  inferred  from  any  thing  he  has  said.  A  definite  reply  to  a 
requisition  of  this  nature  was  demanded  by  Col.  Burr's  letter 
of  the  21st  instant.  This  being  refused,  invites  the  alternative 
alluded  to  in  Gen.  Hamilton's  letter  of  the  20th. 

It  was  required  by  the  position  in  which  the  controversy  was 
placed  by  General  Hamilton,  on  Friday*  last,  and  I  was  imme- 
diately furnished  with  a  communication  demanding  a  personal 
interview.  The  necessity  of  this  measure  has  not,  in  the  opin- 
ion of  Col.  Burr,  been  diminished  by  the  General's  last  letter,  or 
any  communication  which  has  since  been  received.  I  am  conse- 
quently again  instructed  to  deliver  you  a  message,  as  soon  as  it 
may  be  convenient  for  you  to  receive  it.     I  beg,  therefore,  you 

*June  22<I. 

19 


146  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

will  be  so  good  as  to  inform  me  at  what  hour  I  can  have  the  plea* 
sure  of  seeing  you. 

Your  most  obedient  and 

very  humble  servant, 

W.  P.  VAN  NESS. 
Nath'l.  Pendleton,  Esq. 
June  26th. 

26th  June  1 804. 

Sir — I  have  communicated  the  letter  which  you  did  me  the 
honor  to  write  to  me  of  this  date,  to  Gen.  Hamilton.  The  ex- 
pectations now  disclosed  on  the  part  of  Col.  Burr,  appear  to 
him  to  have  greatly  extended  the  original  ground  of  inquiry, 
and  instead  of  presenting  a  particular  and  definite  case  of  ex- 
planation, seemed  to  aim  at  nothing  less  than  an  inquisition  into 
his  most  confidential  conversations,  as  well  as  others,  through 
the  whole  period  of  his  acquaintance  with  Col.  Burr. 

While  he  was  prepared  to  meet  the  particular  case  fairly  and 
fully,  he  thinks  it  inadmissible  that  he  should  be  expected  to 
answer  at  large  as  to  every  thing  that  he  may  possibly  have 
said,  in  relation  to  the  character  of  Col.  Burr,  at  any  time  or 
upon  any  occasion.  Though  he  is  not  conscious  that  any  char- 
ges which  are  in  circulation  to  the  prejudice  of  Col.  Burr,  have 
originated  with  him,  except  one  which  may  have  been  so  con- 
sidered, and  which  has  long  since  been  fully  explained  between 
Col.  Burr  and  himself — yet  he  cannot  consent  to  be  questioned 
generally  as  to  any  rumours  which  may  be  afloat  derogatory  to 
the  character  of  Col.  Burr,  without  specification  of  the  several 
rumours,  many  of  them  probably  unknown  to  him.  He  does 
not,  however,  mean  to  authorize  any  conclusion  as  to  the  real 
nature  of  his  conduct  in  relation  to  Col.  Burr,  by  his  declining 
so  loose  and  vague  a  basis  of  explanation,  and  he  disavows  an 
unwillingness  to  come  to  a  satisfactory,  provided  it  be  an  hon- 
orable accommodation.  His  objection  is,  the  very  indefinite, 
ground  which  Colonel  Burr  has  assumed,  in  which  he  is  sorry  to 
be  able  to  discern  nothing  short  of  predetermined  hostility. 
Presuming,  therefore,  that  it  will  be  adhered  to,  he  has  instruc- 
ted we  to  receive  the  message  which  you  have  it  in  charge  to 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  147 

deliver.     For  this  purpose  I  shall  be  at  home,  and  at  your  com- 
mand, to-morrow  morning,  from  eight  to  ten  o'clock. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  respectfully, 

your  obedient  servant, 

NATH'L.  PENDLETON. 

Wm.  P.  Van  Ness,  Esq. 

Sir — The  letter  which  I  had  the  honor  to  receive  from  you 
under  date  of  yesterday,  states,  among  other  things,  that  in  Gen. 
Hamilton's  opinion,  Col.  Burr  has  taken  a  very  indefinite  ground, 
in  which  he  evinces  nothing  short  of  predetermined  hostility, 
and  that  Gen.  Hamilton  thinks  it  inadmissible  that  the  inquiry 
should  extend  to  his  confidential  as  well  as  other  conversations. 
In  this  Colonel  Burr  can  only  reply,  that  secret  whispers  tradu- 
cing his  fame,  and  impeaching  his  honor,  are,  at  least,  equally 
injurious  with  slanders  publicly  uttered;  that  Gen.  Hamilton 
had, at  no  time,  and  in  no  place,  a  right  to  use  any  such  injuri- 
ous expressions;  and  that  the  partial  negative  he  is  disposed  to 
give,  with  the  reservations  he  wishes  to  make,  are  proofs  that  he 
has  done  the  injury  specified. 

Col.  Burr's  request  was,  in  the  first  instance,  proposed  in  a 
form  the  most  simple,  in  order  that  Gen.  Hamilton  might  give  to 
the  affair  that  course  to  which  he  might  be  induced  by  his  tem- 
per, and  his  knowledge  of  facts.  Col.  Burr  trusted  with  confi- 
dence, that  from  the  frankness  of  a  soldier  and  the  candor  of  a 
gentleman,  he  might  expect  an  ingenuous  declaration.  That  if, 
as  he  had  reason  to  believe,  Gen.  Hamilton  had  used  expressions 
derogatory  to  his  honor,  he  would  have  had  the  magnanimity  to 
retract  them;  and  that  if,  from  his  language,  injurious  inferen- 
ces had  been  improperly  drawn,  he  would  have  perceived  the 
propriety  of  correcting  errors,  which  might  thus  have  been 
widely  diffused.  With  these  impressions,  Col.  Burr  was  greatly 
surprised  at  receiving  a  letter  which  he  considered  as  evasive, 
and  which  in  manner  he  deemed  not  altogether  decorous.  In 
one  expectation,  however,  he  was  not  wholly  deceived,  for  the 
close  of  General  Hamilton's  letter  contained  an  intimation  that 
if  Col.  Burr  should  dislike  his  refusal  to  acknowledge  or  deny 
he  was  ready  to  meet  the  consequences.     This  Col.  Burr  deem- 


146  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

ed  a  port  of  defiance,  and  would  have  felt  justified  in  making  it 
the  basis  of  an  immediate  message.  But  as  the  communication 
contained  something  concerning  the  indefiniteness  of  the  re- 
quest; as  he  believed  it  rather  the  offspring  of  false  pride  than 
of  reflection,  and  as  he  felt  the  utmost  reluctance  to  proceed  to 
extremities,  while  any  other  hope  remained,  his  request  was  re- 
peated in  terms  more  explicit.  The  replies  and  propositions 
on  the  part  of  Gen.  Hamilton  have,  in  Col.  Burr's  opinion, 
been  constantly  in  substance  the  same. 

Colonel  Burr  disavows  all  motives  of  predetermined  hostility, 
a  charge  by  which  he  thinks  insult  added  to  injury.  He  feels 
as  a  gentleman  should  feel  when  his  honor  is  impeached  or  as- 
sailed; and  without  sensations  of  hostility  or  wishes  of  revenge, 
he  is  determined  to  vindicate  that  honor  at  such  hazard  as  the 
nature  of  the  case  demands. 

The  length  to  which  this  correspondence  has  extended,  only 
tending  to  prove  that  the  satisfactory  redress,  earnestly  desired, 
cannot  be  obtained,  he  deems  it  useless  to  offer  any  proposition 
except  the  simple  message  which  I  shall  now  have  the  honor  to 
deliver. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

with  great  respect,  your  very  humble  serv't. 

W.  P.  VAN  NESS. 
Wednesday  Morning,  June  Zlth,  1804. 

With  this  letter  a  message  was  received  such  as  was  to  be  ex- 
pected, containing  an  invitation,  which  was  accepted,  and  Mr. 
Pendleton  informed  Mr.  Van  Ness  he  should  hear  from  him  the 
next  day  as  to  further  particulars. 

This  letter  was  delivered  to  Gen.  Hamilton  on  the  same  eve- 
ning, and  a  very  short  conversation  ensued  between  him  and  Mr. 
Pendleton,  who  was  to  call  on  him  early  the  next  morning  for  a 
further  conference. — When  he  did  so,  Gen.  Hamilton  said  he 
had  hot  understood  whether  the  message  and  answer  was  defin- 
itely concluded,  or  whether  another  meeting  was  to  take  place 
for  that  purpose  between  Mr.  Pendleton  and  Mr.  Van  Ness. 
Under  the  latter  impression,  and  as  the  last  letter  contained 
matter  that  naturally  led  to  animadversion,  he  gave  Mr.  Pendle- 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  140 

ton  a  paper  of  remarks  in  his  own  handwriting,  to  be  commu- 
nicated to  Mr.  Van  Ness,  if  the  state  of  the  affair  rendered  it 
proper. 

In  the  interview  with  Mr.  Van  Ness  on  the  same  day,  after 
explaining  the  causes  which  had  induced  Gen.  Hamilton  to  sup- 
pose that  the  state  of  the  affair  did  not  render  it  improper,  Mr. 
Pendleton  offered  this  paper  to  Mr.  Van  Ness,  but  he  declined 
receiving  it,  alleging  that  he  considered  the  correspondence  as 
closed  by  the  acceptance  of  the  message  that  he  had  delivered. 

Mr.  Pendleton  then  informed  Mr.  Van  Ness  of  the  induce- 
ments mentioned  by  General  Hamilton  in  the  paper,  for  at  least 
postponing  the  meeting  until  the  close  of  the  Circuit;  and  as 
this  was  uncertain,  Mr.  Pendleton  was  to  let  him  know  when  it 
would  be  convenient. 

Here  we  think  it  most  proper  to  introduce  the  paper  itself. 
The  reader  will  form  his  own  judgment  whether  it  was  not  Mr. 
Van  Ness'  duty  to  have  received  it,  and  shown  it  to  his  princi- 
pal; he  will  probably  exercise  his  own  conjecture  too  as  to  Mr. 
Van  Ness'  motives  for  not  doing  so.     It  follows: — 

Remarks  on  the  letter  of  June  27,  1 804. 
"  Whether  the  observations  on  this  letter  are  designed  merely 
to  justify  the  result  which  is  indicated  in  the  close  of  the  letter, 
or  may  be  intended  to  give  an  opening  for  rendering  any  thing 
explicit  which  may  have  been  deemed  vague  heretofore,  can 
only  be  judged  of  by  the  sequel.  At  any  rate,  it  appears  to  me 
necessary  not  to  be  misunderstood.  Mr.  Pendleton  is  therefore 
authorized  to  say,  that  in  the  course  of  the  present  discussion, 
written  or  verbal,  there  has  been  no  intention  to  evade,  defy,  or 
insult,  but  a  sincere  disposition  to  avoid  extremities  if  it  could 
be  done  with  propriety.  With  this  view,  Gen.  Hamilton  has 
been  ready  to  enter  into  a  frank  and  free  explanation  on  any 
and  every  object  of  a  specific  nature;  but  not  to  answer  a  gene- 
ral and  abstract  inquiry,  embracing  a  period  too  long  for  any 
accurate  recollection,  and  exposing  him  to  unpleasant  criticism^ 
from,  or  unpleasant  discussions  with,  any  and  every  person,  who 
may  have  understood  him  in  an  unfavorable  sense.     This  (ad- 


150  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

mitting  that  he  could  answer  it  in  a  manner  the  most  satisfac- 
tory to  Col.  Burr)  he  should  deem  inadmissible,  in  principle  and* 
precedent,  and  humiliating  in  practice.  To  this  therefore  he 
can  never  submit.  Frequent  allusion  has  been  made  to  slan- 
ders, said  to  be  in  circulation. — Whether  they  are  openly  or  in 
whispers,  they  have  a  form  and  shape,  and  might  be  specified. 

"  If  the  alternative  alluded  to  in  the  close  of  the  letter  is  de- 
finitively tendered,  it  must  be  accepted;  the  time,  place,  and 
manner,  to  be  afterwards  regulated.  I  should  not  think  it  right 
in  the  midst  of  a  Circuit  Court  to  withdraw  my  services  from 
those  who  may  have  confided  important  interests  to  me,  and  ex- 
pose them  to  the  embarrassment  of  seeking  other  counsel,  who 
may  not  have  time  to  be  sufficiently  instructed  in  their  causes. 
I  shall  also  want  a  little  time  to  make  some  arrangements  res- 
pecting my  own  affairs." 

On  Friday,  the  6th  of  July,  the  circuit  being  closed,  Mr.  Pen- 
dleton  informed  Mr.  Van  Ness  that  General  Hamilton  would  be 
ready  at  any  time  after  the  Sunday  following.  On  Monday  the 
particulars  were  arranged — on  Wednesday  the  parties  met  at 
Weahawk,  on  the  Jersey  shore,  at  7  o'clock,  A.  M.  The  par- 
ticulars of  what  then  took  place  will  appear  from  the  following 
statement. 

It  was  nearly  seven  in  the  morning  when  the  boat  which  car- 
ried General  Hamilton,  his  friend  Mr.  Pendleton,  and  the  sur- 
geon mutually  agreed  on,  Doctor  Hosack,  reached  that  part  of 
the  Jersey  shore  called  the  Weahawk.  There  they  found  Mr. 
Burr  and  his  friend  Mr.  Van  Ness,  who,  as  I  am  told,  had  been 
employed  since  their  arrival,  with  coats  off,  in  clearing  away  the 
bushes,  limbs  of  trees,  &c.  so  as  to  make  a  fair  opening.  The 
parties  in  a  few  moments  were  at  their  allotted  situation:  when 
Mr.  Pendleton  gave  the  word,  Mr.  Burr  raised  his  arm  slowly, 
deliberately  took  his  aim,  and  fired.  His  ball  entered  General 
Hamilton's  right  side:  as  soon  as  the  bullet  struck  him,  he  raised 
himself  involuntarily  on  his  toes,  turned  a  little  to  the  left  (at 
which  moment  his  pistol  went  off.)  and  fell  upon  his  face.  Mr. 
Pendleton  immediately  called  out  for  Dr.  Hosack,  who,  in  run- 
ning to  the  spot,  had  to  pass  Mr.  Van  Ness  and  Col.  Burr;  but 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  151 

Mr.  Van  Ness  had  the  cool  precaution  to  cover  his  principal  with 
an  umbrella,  so  that  Dr.  Hosack  should  not  be  able  to  swear 
that  he  saw  him  on  the  field.  What  passed  after  this,  the  rea- 
der will  have  in  the  following  letter  from  Dr.  Hosack  himself. 

August  17  th,  1804. 

**  Dear  Sir — To  comply  with  jour  request  is  a  painful  task; 
but  I  will  repress  my  feelings  while  I  endeavor  to  furnish  you 
with  an  enumeration  of  such  particulars  relative  to  the  melan- 
choly end  of  our  beloved  friend  Hamilton,  as  dwell  most  forcibly 
on  my  recollection. 

"  When  called  to  him,  upon  his  receiving  the  fatal  wound, 
I  found  him  half  sitting  on  the  ground,  supported  in  the 
arms  of  Mr.  Pendleton.  His  countenance  of  death  I  shall  ne- 
ver forget — He  had  at  that  instant  just  strength  to  say,  "This 
is  a  mortal  wound,  Doctor;"  when  he  sunk  away,  and  became 
to  all  appearance  lifeless.  I  immediately  stripped  up  his 
clothes,  and  soon,  alas!  ascertained  that  the  direction  of  the 
ball  must  have  been  through  some  vital  part.  His  pulses  were 
not  to  be  felt;  his  respiration  was  entirely  suspended ;  and  upon 
laying  my  hand  on  his  heart  and  perceiving  no  motion  there. 
I  considered  him  as  irrecoverably  gone.  I  however  observed  to 
Mr.  Pendleton,  that  the  only  chance  for  his  reviving  was  imme- 
diately to  get  him  upon  the  water.  We  therefore  lifted  him 
up,  and  carried  him  out  of  the  wood,  to  the  margin  of  the  bank, 
where  the  bargeman  aided  us  in  conveying  him  into  the  boat, 
which  immediately  put  off.  During  all  this  time  I  could  not 
discover  the  least  symptom  of  returning  life.  I  now  rubbed 
his  face,  lips,  and  temples,  with  spirits  of  hartshorn,  applied  it 
to  his  neck  and  breast,  and  to  the  wrists  and  palms  of  his  hands, 
and  endeavored  to  pour  some  into  his  mouth.  When  we  had 
got,  as  I  should  judge,  about  fifty  yards  from  the  shore,  some 
imperfect  efforts  to  breathe  were  for  the  first  time  manifest;  in 
a  few  minutes  he  sighed,  and  became  sensible  to  the  impression 
of  the  hartshorn,  or  the  fresh  air  of  the  water:  he  breathed:  his 
eyes,  hardly  opened,  wandered,  without  fixing  upon  any  objects: 
to  our  great  joy  he  at  length  spoke:  "My  vision  is  indistinct," 


iM  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

were  his  first  words.  His  pulse  became  more  perceptible:  his 
respiration  more  regular;  his  sight  returned.  I  then  examined 
the  wound  to  know  if  there  was  any  dangerous  discharge  of 
blood :  upon  slightly  pressing  his  side  it  gave  him  pain ;  on  which 
I  desisted.  Soon  after  recovering  his  sight,  he  happened  to 
cast  his  eyes  upon  the  case  of  pistols,  and  observing  the  one  that 
he  had  had  in  his  hand  lying  on  the  outside, he  said,"  Take  care 
of  that  pistol;  it  is  undischarged  and  still  cocked,  it  may  gooff 
and  do  harm: — Pendleton  knows,  (attempting  to  turn  his  head 
towards  him)  that  I  did  not  intend  to  (ire  at  him."  "  Yes,"  said 
Mr.  Pendleton,  understanding  his  wish,  "I  have  already  made 
Dr.  Hosack  acquainted  with  your  determination  as  to  that." 
He  then  closed  his  eyes  and  remained  calm,  without  any  dispo- 
sition to  speak;  nor  did  he  say  much  afterward,  excepting  in  re- 
ply to  my  questions  as  to  his  feelings.  He  asked  me  once  or 
twice  how  I  found  his  pulse;  and  he  informed  me  that  his  lower 
extremities  had  lost  all  feeling;  manifesting  to  me  that  he  enter- 
tained no  hopes  that  he  should  long  survive.  I  changed  the  pos- 
ture of  his  limbs,  but  to  no  purpose;  they  had  totally  lost  their 
sensibility.  Perceiving  that  we  approached  the  shore,  he  said. 
"Let  Mrs.  Hamilton  be  immediately  sent  for — let  the  event  be 
gradually  broken  to  her;  but  give  her  hopes."  Looking  up  we 
saw  his  friend  Mr.  Bayard  standing  on  the  wharf  in  great  agita- 
tion. He  had  been  told  by  his  servant  that  Gen.  Hamilton,  Mr. 
Pendleton,  and  myself,  had  crossed  the  river  in  a  boat  together, 
and  loo  well  he  conjectured  the  fatal  errand  and  foreboded  the 
dreadful  result.  Perceiving,  as  we  came  nearer,  that  Mr.  Pen- 
dleton and  myself  only  sat  in  the  stern-sheet,  he  clasped  his 
hands  together  in  the  most  violent  apprehensions;  but  when  I 
called  to  him  to  have  a  cot  prepared,  and  he  at  the  same  time 
saw  his  poor  friend  lying  in  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  lie  threw  up 
his  eyes  and  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears  and  lamentation.  Ham 
ilton  alone  appeared  tranquil  and  composed.  We  then  conveyed 
"him  as  tenderly  as  possible  up  to  the  house.  The  distresses  of 
this  amiable  family  were  such  that  till  the  first  shock  was  abated, 
they  were  scarcely  able  to  summon  fortitude  enough  to  yield 
Sufficient  assistance  to  their  dying  friend. 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  153 

"Upon  our  reaching  the  house  he  became  more  languid,  oc- 
casioned probably  by  the  agitation  of  his  removal  from  the 
boat.  I  gave  him  a  little  weak  wine  and  water.  When  here- 
covered  his  feelings,  he  complained  of  pain  in  his  back;  we  im- 
mediately undressed  him,  laid  him  in  bed,  and  darkened  the 
room.  I  then  gave  him  a  large  anodyne,  which  I  frequently  re- 
peated. During  the  first  day  he  took  upwards  of  an  ounce  of 
laudanum;  and  tepid  anodyne  fomentations  were  also  applied 
to  those  parts  nearest  the  seat  of  his  pain — Yet  were  his  suffer- 
ings, during  the  whole  of  the  day,  almost  intolerable.* 

I  had  not  the  shadow  of  a  hope  of  his  recovery,  and  Dr.  Post, 
whom  I  requested  might  be  sent  for  immediately  on  our  reach- 
ing Mr.  Bayard's  house,  united  with  me  in  this  opinion.  Gen. 
Hey,  the  French  Consul,  also  had  the  goodness  to  invite  the  sur- 
geons of  the  French  frigates  in  our  harbor,  as  they  had  had 
much  experience  in  gun-shot  wounds,  to  render  their  assistance. 
They  immediately  came;  but  to  prevent  his  being  disturbed,  I 
stated  to  them  his  situation,  described  the  nature  of  his  wound 
and  the  direction  of  the  ball,  with  all  the  symptoms  that  could 
enable  them  to  form  an  opinion  as  to  the  event.  One  of  the 
gentlemen  then  accompanied  me  to  the  bed-side.  The  result 
was  a  confirmation  of  the  opinion  that  had  already  been  express- 
ed by  Dr.  Post  and  myself. 

During  the  night  he  had  some  imperfect  sleep;  but  the  sue- 
ceeding  morning  his  symptoms  were  aggravated,  attended  how- 
ever, with  a  diminution  of  pain.  His  mind  retained  all  its 
usual  strength  and  composure.  The  great  source  of  his  anxi- 
ety seemed  to  be  in  his  sympathy  with  his  half  distracted  wife 
and  children.  He  spoke  to  me  frequently  of  thena — "  My  be- 
loved wife  and  children,"  were  always  his  expressions.  But  his 
fortitude  triumphed  over  his  situation,  dreadful  as  it  was;  once, 
indeed,  at  the  sight  of  his  children  brought  to  the  bed-side  to- 
gether, seven  in  number,  his  utterance  forsook  him;  he  opened 
his  eyes,  gave  them  one  look,  and  closed  them  again,  till  they 

*  As  his  habit  was  delicate,  and  had  been  lately  rendered  more  feeble  by  ill 
-health,  particularly  by  a  disorder  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  I  carefully  a\oid~ 
*>d  all  those  remedies  which  are  usually  indicated  on  such  occasions 

20 


154  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON^ 

were  taken  away.  As  a  proof  of  his  extraordinary  composure 
of  mind,  let  me  add,  that  he  alone  could  calm  the  frantic  grief 
of  their  mother.  "  Remember,  my  Eliza,  you  are  a  Christian" 
were  the  expressions  with  which  he  frequently,  with  a  firm  voice, 
but  in  a  pathetic  and  impressive  manner,  addressed  her.  His 
words,  and  the  tone  in  which  they  were  uttered,  will  never  be 
effaced  from  my  memory.  At  about  two  o'clock,  as  the  publir 
well  know,  he  expired.* 

"  Incorrupta  fides — nudaque  Veritas 
Quondo  ullum  invenient  pareni? 
MultusHle  quidem  debilis  occidit." 

Who  would  believe,  had  not  the  fact  evinced  it,  that  the  sor. 
of  the  venerable  President  Burr,  that  model  of  Christian  pa-, 
tience,  charity  and  meekness;  that  the  son  of  such  a  man,  the 
second  officer  in  the  United  States,  should  in  direct  violation  of 
the  laws  of  Heaven,  and  his  own  state;  after  every  means  of 
reconciliation  on  the  part  of  the  unfortunate  deceased,  that  was 
consistent  with  honor,  had  been  exhausted,  should  take  a  cool 
and  deliberate  aim  against  the  first  citizen  of  our  country ;  the 
father  of  a  numerous  family;  the  husband  of  a  most  affectionate 
wife;  an  ornament  to  his  country  and  human  nature.  Could 
nothing  but  his  blood  atone  for  expressions  honestly  intended  for 
the  public  good,  and  authorized  by  every  just  principle  of  an 
elective  government?  Could  nothing  allay  the  cool,  perseve- 
ring, and  premeditated  resentment  of  his  antagonist,  but  the 
heart's  blood  of  such  a  man? 

Well,  he  is  gone!  Gone  with  the  tenderest  esteem,  the  high- 
est respect,  the  most  affectionate  tears  that  ever  fell  on  the  tomb 
of  a  public  character.  He  has  gone  to  receive  the  rich  reward 
of  the  many  and  great  exertions  for  his  country's  welfare. 
Trusting  in  the  merits  of  his  Saviour,  penitent  for  his  past  sins, 
forgiving  even  the  foe  from  whom  he  received  his  mortal  wound; 
he  is  gone  to  receire  that  recompense  of  reward,  which  is  the 
meed  of  the  truly  upright  and  benevolent. 

Far  be  it  from  us,  at  this  time,  to  excite  the  angry  passions 
against  the  guilty  author  of  this  mighty  ruin.  He  lives,  and 
long  may  he  live,  his  hands  stained  with  blood   unrighteously 


♦Extracts  from  Facts  and  Documents  relative  to  the  death  of  Gen.  Hamilton 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON-  155 

shed!  But  we  cannot  refrain  from  giving  a  place  to  the  follow- 
ing circumstances,  which  occurred  in  the  city  of  Albany  soon 
after  the  death  of  Hamilton. 

"On  Sunday  morning  the  afflicted  Mrs.  Hamilton  attended 
service  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  city,  with  her  three- 
little  ones. 

At  the  close  of  a  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nott,  the  eldest 
dropped  on  his  face,  in  a  fainting  fit. 

"Two  gentlemen  immediately  raised  him,  and  while  bearing 
him  out  of  Church,  the  afflicted  mother  sprung  forward,  in  th& 
agonies  of  grief  and  despair,  towards  her  apparently  lifeless 
son. 

"The  heart-rending  scene  she  had  recently  struggled  with, 
called  forth  all  the  fine  spun  sensibilities  of  her  nature;  and 
seemed  to  say  nature  must,  and  will  be  indulged,  in  her  keenest 
sorrows.  She  was  overpowered  in  the  conflict,  and  likewise 
sunk,  uttering  such  heart-rending  groans,  and  inward  sighs,  *as 
would  have  melted  into  mingled  sympathies,  even  Burr  himself. 

"Both  of  them  stood  recovered;  and  while  the  little  son  was 
supported  standing  on  the  steps,  yet  speechless,  the  most  affect- 
ing scene  presented  itself.  The  mother  in  this  tender  situation, 
fastened  herself  upon  the  son,  with  her  head  reclining  on  his  left 
shoulder;  the  agonies  so  strongly  painted  in  her  countenance; 
her  long  flowing  weeds;  the  majesty  of  her  person;  the  position 
of  both;  and  above  all,  the  peculiarity  of  their  trying  situation 
in  the  recent  loss  of  a  husband  and  a  father;  who  could  refrain 
from  invoking  on  the  head  of  the  guilty  author  of  their  miseries, 
those  curses  he  so  richly  merits?  The  curse  of  living  despised, 
and  execrated  by  the  voice  of  a  whole  nation;  the  curse  of 
being  held  up  to  the  view  of  future  ages,  a  monster  and  an 

ASSASSIN." 

After  the  death  of  Gen.  Hamilton,  a  note  which  had  beerr 
written  the  evening  before  the  interview,  was  found,  addressed 
to  the  gentleman  who  accompanied  him  to  the  field;  thanking 
him  with  tenderness  for  his  friendship  to  him,  and  informing  him 
where  would  be  found  the  keys  of  certain  drawers  in  his  desk, 
in  which  he  had  deposited  such  papers  as  he  had  thought  prop- 
er to  leave  behind  him,  together  with  his  last  Wil|. 


156  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON 

The  following  paper,  as  containing  his  motives  for  accepting 
the  challenge;  his  reflections  on  his  situation;  and  some  re- 
marks on  the  conduct  of  the  man,  who  was  to  be  the  cause  of 
his  death,  is  presented  as  a  highly  interesting  document. 

On  my  expected  interview  with  Col.  Burr,  I  think  it  proper 
to  make  some  remarks  explanatory  of  my  conduct,  motives,  and 
views, 

I  was  certainly  desirous  of  avoiding  this  interview  for  the 
most  cogent  reasons. 

1.  My  religious  and  moral  principles  are  strongly  opposed 
to  the  practice  of  duelling,  and  it  would  ever  give  me  pain  to 
be  obliged  to  shed  the  blood  of  a  fellow-creature  in  a  private 
combat  forbidden  by  the  laws. 

2.  My  wife  and  children  are  extremely  dear  to  me,  and  my 
life  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  them  in  various  views. 

3.  I  feel  a  sense  of  obligation  towards  my  creditors;  who  in 
case  of  accident  to  me,  by  the  forced  sale  of  my  property,  may 
be  in  some  degree  sufferers.  I  did  not  think  m}  self  at  liberty 
as  a  man  of  probity,  lightly  to  expose  them  to  this  hazard. 

4.  I  am  conscious  of  no  ill  will  to  Col.  Burr,  distinct  from 
political  opposition,  which,  as  I  trust,  has  proceeded  from  pure 
and  upright  motives. 

Lastly,  I  shall  hazard  much,  and  can  possibly  gain  nothing  by 
the  issue  of  the  interview. 

But  it  was,  as  I  conceive  impossible  for  me  to  avoid  it.  There 
were  intrinsic  difficulties  in  the  thing,  and  artificial  embarrass- 
ments from  the  manner  of  proceeding  on  the  part  of  Colonel 
Burr. 

Intrinsic,  because  it  is  not  to  be  denied,  that  my  animadver- 
sions on  the  political  principles,  character,  and  views  of  Colonel 
Burr,  have  been  extremely  severe;  and  on  different  occasions, 
I,  in  common  with  many  others,  have  made  very  unfavorable 
criticisms  on  particular  instances  of  the  private  conduct  of  this 
gentleman. 

In  proportion  as  these  impressions  were  entertained  wi$h  sin- 
cerity, and  uttered  with  motives,  and  for  purposes  which  might 


ALEXANDER  HAMILTON.  157 

appear  to  me  commendable,  would  be  the  difficulty,  (until  they 
could  be  removed  by  evidence  of  their  being  erroneous,)  of  ex- 
planation or  apology.  The  disavowal  required  of  me  by  Col. 
Burr,  in  a  general  and  indefinite  form,  was  out  of  my  power,  if 
it  had  been  really  proper  for  me  to  submit  to  be  so  questioned  j 
but  I  was  sincerely  of  opinion  that  this  could  not  be,  and  in  this 
opinion  I  was  confirmed  by  that  of  a  very  moderate  and  judi- 
cious friend  whom  I  consulted.  Besides  that,  Col.  Burr  ap- 
peared to  me  to  assume,  in  the  first  instance,  a  tone  unnecessa} 
rily  peremptory  and  menacing,  and  in  the  second,  positively 
offensive.  Yet  I  wished,  as  far  as  might  be  practicable,  to  leave 
a  door  open  to  accommodation.  This,  I  think,  will  be  inferred 
from  the  written  communications  made  by  me  and  by  my  direc- 
tion, and  would  be  confirmed  by  the  conversations  between  Mr. 
Van  Ness  and  myself,  which  arose  out  of  the  subject. 

I  am  not  sure  whether,  under  all  the  circumstances,  I  did  not 
go  further  in  the  attempt  to  accommodate,  than  a  punctilious 
delicacy  will  justify.  If  so,  I  hope  the  motives  I  have  stated 
will  excuse  me. 

It  is  not  my  design,  by  what  I  have  said,  to  affix  any  odium  on 
the  conduct  of  Col.  Burr,  in  this  case.  He  doubtless  has  heard 
of  animadversions  of  mine  which  bore  very  hard  upon  him;  and 
it  is  probable  that  as  usual  they  were  accompanied  with  some 
falsehoods.  He  may  have  supposed  himself  under  a  necessity 
of  acting  as  he  has  done.  I  hope  the  grounds  of  his  proceed- 
ing have  been  such  as  ought  to  satisfy  his  own  conscience. 

I  trust  at  the  same  time,  that  the  world  will  do  me  the  justice 
to  believe  that  I  have  not  censured  him  on  light  grounds,  nor 
from  unworthy  inducements.  I  certainly  have  had  strong  rea- 
sons for  what  I  may  have  said,  though  it  is  possible  that  in  some 
particulars,  I  may  have  been  influenced  by  misconstruction  or 
misinformation.  It  is  also  my  ardent  wish  that  I  may  have  been 
more  mistaken  than  I  think  I  have  been,  and  that  he,  by  his  fu- 
ture conduct,  may  show  himself  worthy  of  all  confidence  and 
esteem,  and  prove  an  ornament  and  blessing  to  the  country. 

As  well  because  it  is  possible  that  I  may  have  injured  Colonel 
Burr,  however  convinced  myself  that  my  opinions  and  declara- 


IdB  ISAAC  HAYNE. 

tions  have  heen  well  founded,  as  from  my  general  principles  and* 
temper  in  relation  to  similar  affairs,  I  have  resolved,  if  our  inter- 
view is  conducted  in  the  usual  manner,  and  it  pleases  God  to 
give  me  the  opportunity,  to  reserve  and  throzo  corny  my  first  fire, 
and  I  have  thoughts  even  of  reserving  my  second  fire — and  thus 
giving  a  double  opportunity  to  Colonel  Burr,  to  pause  and  to 
reflect. 

It  is  not,  however,  my  intention  to  enter  into  any  explanation 
on  the  ground — Apology  from  principle,  I  hope,  rather  than 
pride,  is  out  of  the  question. 

To  those  who,  with  me,  abhorring  the  practice  of  duelling, 
may  think  that  I  ought  on  no  account  to  have  added  to  the  num- 
ber of  bad  examples,  I  answer,  that  my  relative  situation,  as  well 
in  public  as  private,  enforcing  all  the  considerations  which  con- 
stitute what  men  of  the  world  denominate  honor,  imposed  on 
me  (as  I  thought)  a  peculiar  necessity  not  to  decline  the  calL 
The  ability  to  be  in  future  useful,  whether  in  resisting  mischief 
or  effecting  good,  in  those  crises  of  our  public  affairs  which  seem 
likely  to  happen,  would  probably  be  inseparable  from  a  confor- 
mity with  public  prejudice  in  this  particular."*  A.  H. 


ISAAC    HAYNE, 

Colonel  in  the  American  Army. 

"  This  gentleman  had  been  a  distinguished  and  very  active 
officer  in  the  American  service,  previous  to  the  subjugation  of 
Charleston.  When  this  event  took  place,  he  found  himself  cal- 
led to  a  separation  from  his  family,  a  dereliction  of  his  property, 
and  submission  to  the  conqueror.  In  this  situation  he  thought 
it  his  duty  to  become  a  voluntary  prisoner,  and  take  his  parole. 
On  surrendering  himself,  he  offered  to  engage  and  stand  bound 
on  the  principles  of  honor,  to  do  nothing  prejudicial  to  the  Bri- 
tish interest  until  he  was  exchanged ;  but  his  abilities  and  servi- 

— — — — — ■  ~— ■ --~~ — T 

*  Vide  Facts  and  Documents  relative  to  Gen.  Hamilton, 


ISAAC  HAYNE.  150 

ces  were  of  such  consideration  to  his  country,  that  he  was  refu- 
sed a  parole,  and  told  he  must  become  a  British  subject  or  submit 
to  close  confinement. 

"  His  family  was  then  in  a  distant  part  of  the  country,  and  in 
great  distress  by  sickness,  and  from  the  ravages  of  the  royalists 
in  their  neighborhood.  Thus  he  seemed  impelled  to  acknowL 
edge  himself  the  subject  of  a  government  he  had  relinquished 
from  the  purest  principles,  or  renounce  his  tenderest  connexions 
and  leave  them  without  a  possibility  of  his  assistance,  and  at  a 
moment  when  he  hourly  expected  to  hear  of  the  death  of  an 
affectionate  wife,  ill  of  the  small-pox. 

In  this  state  of  anxiety,  he  subscribed  a  declaration  of  his 
allegiance  to  the  king  of  Great  Britain,  with  this  express  excep- 
tion, that  he  should  never  be  required  to  take  arms  against  hi» 
country.  Notwithstanding  this,  he  was  soon  and  repeatedly  cal- 
led upon  to  arm  in  support  of -a  govermenl  he  detested,  or  to 
submit  to  the  severest  punishment.  Brigadier  General  Patter- 
son, commandant  of  the  garrison,  and  the  intendant  of  the  Bri- 
tish police,  a  Mr.  Simpson,  had  both  assured  Colonel  Hayne, 
that  no  such  thing  would  be  required;  and  added,  "that  when 
the  royal  army  could  not  defend  a  country  without  the  aid  of  its 
inhabitants,  it  would  be  time  to  quit  it."* 

Colonel  Hayne  considered  a  requisition  to  act  in  British  ser- 
vice, after  assurances  that  this  would  never  be  required,  as  a 
breach  of  contract,  and  a  release  in  the  eye  of  conscience,  from 
any  obligation  on  his  part.  Accordingly  he  took  the  first  oppor- 
tnnity  of  resuming  his  arms  as  an  American,  assumed  the  com- 
mand of  his  own  regiment;  and  all  fond  of  their  former  comman- 
der, Colonel  Hayne  marched  with  a  defensible  body  to  the  relief 
of  his  countrymen,  then  endeavoring  to  drive  the  British  parti- 
zans,  and  keep  them  within  the  environs  of  Charleston.  He 
very  unfortunately  in  a  short  time  fell  into  the  hands  of  a  strong 
British  party,  sent  out  for  the  recovery  of  a  favorite  officer,!  who 


*See  a  representation  of  Colonel  Hayne's  case,  laid  before  Congress  after  his 
death. 

t  This  was  General  Williamson,  captured  within  seven  miles  of  the  city,  by 
t*  small  reconnoit-ering  party  sent  out  by  Col.  Iiayae, 


1G0  ISAAC  HAYNE. 

had  left  the  American  cause,  and  become  a  devotee  to  British 
government. 

As  soon  as  Colonel  Hayne  was  captured,  he  was  closely  im- 
prisoned. This  was  on  the  twenty-sixth  of  July.  He  was 
notified  the  same  day,  that  a  court  of  officers  would  assemble 
the  next  day,  to  determine  in  what  point  of  view  he  ought  to  be 
considered.  On  the  twenty-ninth  he  was  informed  that  in  con- 
sequence of  a  court  of  inquiry  held  the  day  before,  Lord  Raw- 
don  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Balfour  had  resolved  upon  his 
execution  within  two  days. 

His  astonishment  at  these  summary  and  illegal  proceedings 
can  scarcely  be  conceived.  He  wrote  Lord  Rawdon,  that  he 
had  no  intimation  of  any  thing  more  than  a  court  of  inquiry,  to 
determine  whether  he  should  be  considered  as  an  American  or  a 
British  subject:  if  the  first,  he  ought  to  be  set  at  liberty  on  pa- 
role: if  the  last,  he  claimed  a  legal  trial.  He  assured  his  lord- 
ship, that  on  a  trial  he  had  many  things  to  urge  in  his  defence; 
reasons  that  would  be  weighty  in  a  court  of  equity;  and  conclu- 
ded his  letter  with  observing, — "If,  sir,  I  am  refused  this  favor, 
which  I  cannot  conceive  from  your  justice  or  humanity,  I  ear- 
nestly entreat  that  my  execution  may  be  deferred;  that  I  may  at 
least  take  a  last  farewell  of  my  children,  and  prepare  for  the 
solemn  change."* 

But  his  death  predetermined,  his  enemies  were  deaf  to  the 
voice  of  compassion.  The  execution  of  his  sentence  was  has- 
tened, though  the  reputation  and  merits  of  this  gentleman  were 
such,  that  the  whole  city  was  zealous  for  his  preservation.  Not 
only  the  inhabitants  in  opposition  to  the  British  government,  but 
even  Lieutenant  Governor  Bull  at  the  head  of  the  royalists,  in- 
terceded for  his  life.  The  principal  ladies  of  Charleston  endea- 
vored, by  their  compassionate  interference,  to  arrest  or  influence 
the  relentless  hand  of  power.  They  drew  up  and  presented  to 
Lord  Rawdon,  a  delicate  and  pathetic  petition  in  his  behalf. 
His  near  relations,  and  his  children,  who  had  just  performed  the 

*  See  a  more  full  account  of  the  treatment  of  Col.  Hayne  in  his  own  papers, 
afterwards  pesented  to  Congress. 


WILLIAM  HEATH.  16 1 

funeral  rites  over  the  grave  of  a  tender  mother,  appeared  on 
their  bended  knees,  to  implore  the  life  of  their  father.  But  in 
spite  of  the  supplications  of  children  and  friends,  strangers  and 
foes,  the  flinty  heart  of  lord  Raw-don  remained  untouched,  amidst 
these  scenes  of  sensibility  and  distress.  No  amelioration  of  the 
sentence  could  be  obtained ;  and  this  affectionate  father  took  a 
final  leave  of  his  children  in  a  manner  that  pierced  the  souls  of 
the  beholders.  To  the  eldest  of  them,  a  youth  of  but  thirteen 
years  of  age,  he  delivered  a  transcript  of  his  case,  directed  him 
to  convey  it  to  Congress,  and  ordered  him  to  see  that  his  fathers 
remains  were  deposited  in  the  tomb  of  his  ancestors. 

Pinioned  like  a  criminal,  this  worthy  citizen  walked  with 
composure  through  crowds  of  admiring  spectators,  with  the 
dignity  of  the  philosopher,  and  the  intrepidity  of  the  Christian. 
He  suffered  as  a  hero,  and  was  hanged  as  a  felon,  amidst  the 
tears  of  the  multitude,  and  the  curses  of  thousands,  who  exe- 
.-mted  the  perpetrators  of  this  cruel  deed.* 


WILLIAM    HEATH, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army. 

General  Heath  descended  from  an  ancient  family,  and  was 
of  the  fifth  generation  of  the  family,  who  have  inherited  the 
same  real  estate  taken  up  in  a  state  of  nature.  He  was  born 
in  the  year  1737,  in  Roxbury,  Mass.  and  was  from  his  youth  a 
cultivator  of  the  soil,  of  which  profession  he  was  passionately 
fond. 

From  his  childhood  he  was  remarkably  fond  of  military  exer- 
cises, which  passion  grew  up  with  him,  and  as  he  arrived  at  years 
of  maturity,  led  him  to  procure,  and  attentively  study  every 
military  treatise  in  the  English  language,  which  he  could 
procure. 

As  the  dispute  between  Great  Britain  and  her  American  colo- 

*  Warren's  Revolution 
21 


162  WILLIAM  HEATH 

nics  assumed  a  serious  aspect,  Heath  did  not  hesitate,  for  a  mo< 
ment  to  declare  his  sentiments  in  favor  of  the  rights  and  liber- 
ties of  his  fellow  countrymen.  So  early  as  the  year  1770,  he 
commenced  addresses  to  the  public,  under  the  signature  of  "  A 
Military  Countrymayx"  in  which  he  urged  the  importance  of  mi- 
litary discipline,  and  skill  in  the  use  of  arms,  as  the  only  means, 
under  hearen,  that  could  save  the  country,  and  he  assiduously 
applied  himself  in  organising  and  disciplining  the  companies  ol 
militia  and  minute-men. 

Being  ranked  among  the  patriots  and  advocates  for  liberty, 
he  was  commissioned  in  1775,  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  as  a 
brigadier-general,  and  in  1776,  he  received  a  commission  from 
Congress,  appointing  him  a  major-general  in  the  army  of  the 
United  States. 

Though  high  in  rank,  and  respectable  as  an  officer  of  parade 
and  discipline,  we  look  in  vain  for  laurels  acquired  in  the  field. 
Had  it  been  his  destiny,  however,  to  encounter  the  perils  of  a 
conflict  in  the  field  of  battle,  no  one  can  say  how  valorously  he 
would  have  acted  the  hero. 

During  the  years  1777  and  1778,  he  was  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  eastern  department,  with  his  head-quarters  at 
Boston.  Here  devolved  upon  him  the  arduous  and  difficult 
duties  of  superintcndant  of  the  convention  troops  captured  with 
Burgoyne  at  Saratoga,  and  now  quartered  at  Cambridge.  The 
station  required  the  exercise  of  uncommon  firmness  and  deci- 
sion of  character.  And  had  Gen.  Heath  been  destitute  of 
these  characteristics,  he  would  have  been  subjected  to  the  gros- 
sest impositions  and  indignities,  from  the  haughtiness  of  the 
British  generals,  Burgoyne  and  Phillips,  and  the  perverse  tem- 
per of  their  soldiery.  He  who  had  vauntingly  declared  in  the 
British  Parliament,  that  "with  five  thousand  men  he  would  make 
elbow  room  from  one  end  of  the  continent  to  the  other,"  could 
ill  support  himself  under  the  chagrin  and  mortification  of  a  state 
of  captivity.  His  lofty  spirit  frequently  broke  forth,  but  Gene- 
ral Heath  soon  convinced  him  that  he  was  neither  deficient  in 
spirit,  nor  ignorant  of  his  duty  as  a  military  commander. 

The  following  circumstances  that  occurred  during  the  stay  of 


WILLIAM  HEATH.  163 

the  British  troops  at  Cambridge,  and  the  letters  which  pas- 
sed between  the  officers  at  once  show  the  difficulties  which 
arose  in  the  path  of  duty  prescribed  to  General  Heath,  and 
the  promptness  and  vigor  with  which  he  met,  and  surmounted 
them. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  British  generals  at  Cambridge, 
they  made  an  insidious  attempt  to  retain  the  chief  command 
over  their  own  troops.  In  a  conversation,  General  Phillips  turn- 
ing to  General  Heath,  observed,  "Sir,  you  well  know  the  dispo- 
sition of  soldiers,  and  that  they  will  more  or  less  in  all  armies 
commit  some  disorders;  suppose  you  should  delegate  to  Gene 
ral  Burgoyne  the  power  of  seeing  your  orders  executed?" 

General  Heath  promptly  replied,  "that  he  knew  the  disposi- 
tion of  soldiers,  and  also  the  necessity  of  order  and  discipline; 
that  he  was  not  only  willing,  but  expected  that  General  Bur- 
goyne, and  every  other  officer  would  exert  themselves  to  keep 
order.  But  as  to  the  exercise  of  his  own  command,  and  en- 
forcement of  his  own  orders  when  necessary,  that  was  a  juris- 
diction which  General  Burgoyne  must  not  expect  to  exercise 
while  here." 

For  two  weeks  after  his  arrival  in  Boston,  General  Burgoyne 
had  neglected  upon  trifling  excuses  to  sign  his  parole  in  the 
manner  specified  in  the  articles  of  capitulation.  Finding  him 
thus  disposed  to  evade,  General  Heath  addressed  him  the  fol- 
lowing letter. 

Head-Quarters,  Boston,  Nov.  23,  1777. 

"  Sir — Two  weeks  have  now  elapsed  since  I  had  fully  expec- 
ted that  the  officers  would  have  signed  their  paroles.  They 
have,  during  this  time,  been  enjoying  in  a  great  measure  the 
liberty  of  the  limits  intended  to  be  assigned  to  them,  without 
pledging  their  honor  by  parole ;  which  is  not  only  contrary  to 
the  established  custom  of  nations,  but  contrary  to  the  eleventh 
article  of  the  Convention.  1  must,  therefore,  in  the  most  expli- 
cit terms,  insist  that  the  officers  who  wish  and  expect  to  be  per- 
mitted on  parole,  agreeably  to  the  Convention,  do  sign  it  to-mor- 
row. This  is  so  reasonable,  that  I  expect  there  will  be  no 
further  hesitancy;  and  1  still  assure  your  Excellency,  that  no 


ib4 


WILLIAM  HEATH 


endeavors  of  mine  shall  be  wanting  to  fulfil  the  Convention,  and 
to  treat  the  officers  with  politeness  and  generosity. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)  WM.  HEATH. 

To  Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyxe." 

November  8th,  1777,  Congress  directed  General  Heath  "to 
cause  to  be  taken  down  the  name  and  rank  of  every  commissioned 
officer,  and  the  name,  size,  age,  and  description  of  every  non- 
commissioned officer  and  private,  and  all  other  persons  compri- 
sed in  the  convention  made  between  Lieutenant  General  Bur- 
goyne  and  Major  General  Gates, on  the  16th  October  1777,  and 
transmit  an  authentic  copy  thereof  to  the  board  of  war,  in  order 
that  if  any  officer  or  soldier,  or  other  person  as  above  mentioned, 
of  the  said  army,  shall  hereafter  be  found  in  arms  against  these 
States,  during  the  present  contest,  he  may  be  convicted  of  the 
offence,  and  suffer  the  punishment  in  such  case  inflicted  by  the 
law  of  nations." 

Upon  the  foregoing  being  communicated  to  General  Bur- 
goyne,  and  he  called  upon  to  have  the  said  descriptive  lists  made 
out  accordingly,  he  wrote  our  general  the  following  letter: — 

Cambridge,  Nov.  20,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  received  a  paper,  dated  Head-Quarters,  Boston  Nov. 
20th,  purporting  to  be  founded  upon  express  orders  from  the 
Honorable  Continental  Congress,  which  paper  I  return  as  inad- 
missible, because  extending  to  matters  in  which  the  Congress 
have  no  right  of  interference. 

"  A  list  of  the  names  and  rank  of  every  commissioned  officer, 
and  the  numbers  of  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers, 
may  be  necessary  to  you,  Sir,  for  the  purpose  of  fulfilling  the 
Convention,  in  quartering  officers,  and  the  regular  delivery  of 
provisions,  fuel,  &x.  Such  lists  shall  be  prepared  at  your  re- 
quest; but  before  any  other  lists  can  be  granted,  I  must  be  assu- 
red of  the  purposes  for  which  they  are  intended,  and  the  word 
order  must  neither  be  mentioned  nor  implied. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 
(Signed)  J.  BURGOYNE,  Lt.  Gen- 

To  Maj.  Gen.  Heath." 


WILLIAM  HEATH  165 

To  the  foregoing,  our  general  wrote  an  answer  as  follows? 

Head-Quarters,  Boston,  Nov.  21,  1777. 

"Sir — Yours  of  yesterday  is  before  me:  and  although  you 
might  at  first  imagine  that  the  Honorable  Continental  Congress 
have  no  right  of  interference  in  matters  of  the  Convention,  yet 
I  conclude,  upon  further  reflection  you  must  be  convinced,  that 
as  that  body  are  the  Representatives  of  that  people  who  are  to 
reap  the  advantages  or  disadvantages  of  the  Convention,  and 
as  all  continental  officers  are  acting  by  virtue  of  their  authority, 
and  under  their  direction,  they  assuredly  have  a  right  of  inter- 
ference, and  to  give  such  orders  to  their  officers  as  they  may 
think  proper  for  the  full  completion  of  the  Convention,  and  for 
the  safety  and  good  of  the  people. 

"  I  must  therefore  insist  that  you  furnish  me  with  proper  lists 
of  names,  and  descriptions,  for  the  purposes  before  mentioned 
as  soon  as  may  be, 

"  I  shall  at  all  times  endeavor  to  found  my  orders  on  the 
principles  of  honor,  reason,  and  justice,  and  not  to  infringe  those 
delicate  principles  in  others;  but  my  orders  for  the  purposes  of 
order  and  regularity,  must  be  obeyed  by  every  man  and  all  bo- 
dies of  men  placed  under  my  direction;  and  fully  determined 
I  am,  that  offenders  shall  not  pass  with  impunity. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)  W.  HEATH. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Buugoyne.*' 

General  Burgoyne  had  received  intimations  that  a  fleet  of 
transports  were  about  to  come  round  for  the  troops,  and  that  the 
Juno  frigate  was  to  wear  a  flag  for  his  particular  accommoda- 
tion. This  he  mentioned  to  General  Heath,  and  wished  to 
know  if  the  frigate  might  come  up  into  the  harbor.  General 
Heath  had  no  apprehensions  of  any  danger  from  a  frigate  en- 
tering the  harbor,  but  apprehended  that  some  people  might 
think  that  he  was  not  sufficiently  vigilant,  in  case  he  allowed  it. 
He  therefore  told  General  Burgoyne  that  the  frigate  could  not 
come  up  into  the  harbbr,  and  hinted  to  him  the  taking  one  of 
the  most  convenient  transports  in  the  fleet  for  the  purpose;  and 


IG(>  WILLIAM  HEATH. 

he  might  do  as  he  pleased  when  he  got  off.  This  touched  Gen. 
Burgoyne  exceedingly,  who  wrote  a  letter  to  General  Heath,  in 
which  was  the  following  paragraph. 

"As  to  your  allotment  of  a  "convenient  transport"  for  my 
passage,  if  it  was  from  yourself,  I  am  to  thank  you,  Sir,  for  a 
sort  of  insult  which  the  most  haughty  man  of  office  would  he 
ashamed  of,  in  any  other  country.  However,  as  I  am  determi- 
ned every  transaction  concerning  this  Convention  shall  be  noto- 
rious, and  beyond  the  powers  of  subterfuge  to  explain  away,  I 
have  directed  the  frigate  together  with  the  transports  to  come 
round,  and  it  will  then  be  for  you,  Sir,  to  prohibit  the  entry  of 
Boston  harbor,  to  any  ships  bearing  a  flag  of  truce,  and  de* 
daring  they  are  sent  for  the  express  purpose  of  conveying  to 
Great  Britain  any  part  of  the  troops  o/  the  Convention. 

(Signed)  J.  BURGOYNE. 

Maj.  Gen.  Heath." 

To  which  Gen.  Heath  wrote  the  following  answer: 

Head- Quarters,  Boston  Jan.  5,  1778. 

"Sir — Your  Excellency's  favor  of  yesterday  came  duly  to 
hand;  and  I  must  confess  I  was  not  a  little  surprised  at  some 
expressions  in  it. 

"  As  by  the  Convention,  transports  only  are  stipulated  to  re- 
ceive the  troops,  I  submit  to  you,  Sir,  whether  a  hint  (if  you 
were  even  sure  that  it  came  from  myself)  that  you  should  take 
a  convenient  one,  rather  than  introduce  a  frigate,  which  is  nei- 
ther expressed  or  implied  in  the  Convention,  merits  those  epi- 
thets which  you  are  pleased  to  bestow  on  me. 

"I  have  ever  aimed  to  treat  you  with  politeness;  and  the 
plighted  faith  and  honor  of  my  country  require  me  to  pay  strict 
attention  to  the  Convention  on  their  part;  of  course,  when 
transports  arrive  to  receive  the  troops,  they  will  enter  the  har- 
bor; and  if  you  can  find  by  the  Convention  that  a  frigate  is  to 
enter  for  the  particular  reception  of  yourself,  she  will  not  be 
prohibited.  But  if  it  is  rather  uncommon  for  ships  of  war  to 
bear  flags  of  truce,  and  if  consenting  to  it  in  the  present  case, 
should  appear  to  be  rather  an  act  of  politeness  and  generosity 


WILLIAM  HEATH.  167 

than  otherwise,  I  leave  you  to  your  own  reflections  whether  you 
have  made  choice  of  the  most  happy  expressions  to  obtain  it. 
(Signed)  W.  HEATH. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyne." 

Another  serious  matter  took  place  about  this  time.  Colonel 
Henley,  who  had  the  immediate  command  at  Cambridge,  a 
brave  and  good  officer,  but  warm  and  quick  in  his  natural  tem- 
per, having  ordered  some  prisoners  who  were  under  guard  turn- 
ed out  that  he  might  examine  them,  one  of  them  treated  him 
as  he  judged  with  much  insolence;  upon  which  he  pricked  him 
with  a  sword  or  bayonet.  General  Burgoyne  immediately  pre- 
sented a  complaint  against  Col.  Henley,  charging  him  with  bar- 
barous and  wanton  conduct,  and  intentional  murder,  as  appears 
in  the  following  letter. 

Cambridge,  Jan.  9th,  1778. 

Sir — A  report  has  been  made  to  me  of  a  disturbance  that 
happened  at  the  barracks  on  Wednesday  afternoon,  for  which  I 
am  much  concerned;  and  though  the  provocations  from  your 
people,  which  originally  occasioned  it,  were  of  the  most  atro- 
cious nature,  I  was  willing  the  offender  on  our  part  should  be 
properly  punished.  But  Colonel  Henley,  not  content  with  that 
made  prisoners  of  eighteen  innocent  men,  and  sent  them  on 
board  a  guard-ship,  as  alleged  by  your  order.  It  is  not  only  a 
duty  to  my  situation  to  demand  the  immediate  discharge  of 
these  men,  together  with  a  satisfactory  apology;  but  I  also  mean 
it  as  an  attention  to  you,  Sir,  that  I  give  you  an  immediate  op- 
portunity to  disavow  so  unjustifiable  a  proceeding,  as  commit- 
ting men  to  the  worst  of  prisons  upon  vague  report,  caprice  and 
passion. 

1  am,  &c. 
(Signed)  J.  BURGOYNE. 

To  which  our  general  returned  the  following  answer: 

Head-Quarters,  Boston,  Jan.  \Oth,  1778. 
"  Sir — Your's  of  yesterday's  date,  I  received,  last  evening. 
What  provocations  you  allude  to,  as  having  been  offered  by  my 
troops,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  determine.     The  insults  and  abuses 


168  WILLIAM  HEATH. 

which  they  have  received,  1  will  venture  to  say,  unless  I  have 
been  most  grossly  misinformed,  are  unparalleled ;  and  whether 
you  are  willing  or  unwilling,  Sir,  offenders  shall  no  longer  pass 
with  impunity. 

"  If  it  can  be  made  to  appear  that  any  of  thos  e  soldiers  sent 
to  the  guard-ship  by  my  orders,  are  innocent,  they  shall  be  re- 
leased from  their  confinement;  but  with  respect  to  such  as  have 
been  guilty  of  violating  my  standing  orders  of  the  garrison,  in- 
stead of  disavowing  or  making  any  apology  for  the  confinement 
of  such,  be  assured  that  I  do  most  explicitly  avow  it.  And  as  I 
have  before  observed  to  your  Excellency  in  a  former  letter,  of 
which  you  may  be  assured,  I  shall  at  all  times  endeavor  to  found 
my  orders  on  the  principles  of  honor,  reason  and  justice,  and 
not  infringe  those  delicate  principles  in  others;  so  also  be  assu- 
red, Sir,  that  such  my  orders  shall  be  obeyed  by  every  officei 
and  soldier  placed  under  my  direction;  and  such  as  have  the 
hardiness  to  transgress  them,  shall  abide  the  consequences. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)  W.  HEATH. 

June  7th,  1778,  a  British  officer  was  shot  by  an  American  sen 
tinel,  the  officer  attempting  to  pass,  contrary  to  the  standing 
orders.  The  sentinel  was  immediately  relieved  and  put  under 
guard  to  await  a  legal  trial.  Upon  receiving  an  official  account, 
Gen.  Heath  immediately  informed  Major-General  Phillips,  who 
was  now  the  senior  British  officer,  Burgoyne  having  sailed  for 
England,  of  the  circumstance,  and  of  his  determination  to  give 
the  offender  a  fair  trial. 

A  few  minutes  after  General  Heath  had  sent  his  letter,  he 
received  the  following  from  Gen.  Phillips: — 

Cambridge,  June  17.  1778. 
"  Murder  and  death  has  at  length  taken  place.  An  officer,  ri- 
ding out  from  the  barracks  on  Prospect  Hill,  has  been  shot  by 
an  American  sentinel.  I  leave  the  horrors  incident  to  that 
bloody  disposition,  which  has  joined  itself  to  rebellion  in  these 
colonies,  to  the  feelings  of  all  Europe.  I  do  not  ask  for  justice, 
for  I  believe  every  principle  of  it  is  fled  from  this  province. 


* 


WILLIAM  HEATH.  169 

'•  I  demand  liberty  to  send  an  officer  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  by 
way  of  the  head-quarters  of  Gen.  Washington,  with  my  report 
of  this  murder. 

(Signed)  W.  PHILLIPS,  M.  G. 

Maj.  Gen.  Heath.1' 

The  next  morning  our  general  wrote  the  following  to  Gene* 

ral  Phillips: — 

Head-Quarters,  Boston,  June  18,  1778. 

"  Sir — Were  it  even,  certain  that  the  shooting  of  the  officer 
was  an  act  of  the  most  deliberate  and  wilful  murder,  why  should 
you  charge  these  free  independent  states  with  a  bloody  disposi- 
tion and  with  rebellion,  and  this  state  in  particular  as  void  of 
every  principle  of  justice?  Although  I  ever  had,  and  still  have 
a  personal  regard  for  you,  and  wish  in  every  respect  to  treat  you 
with  the  utmost  generosity;  yet  that  duty  which  I  owe  to  the  ho- 
nor and  dignity  of  the  United  States,  will  not  allow  me  to  pass  un- 
noticed such  expressions  as  are  contained  in  your  letter:  and  I 
cannot  put  any  other  interpretation  upon  them,  than  that  they 
are  a  violent  infraction  of  your  parole,  most  sacredly  given. 
I  do  conceive  it  to  be  my  duty,  and  I  do  hereby  restrict  you  to 
the  limits  of  your  house,  gardens,  and  yard,  and  to  the  direct 
road  from  your  quarters  to  the  quarters  of  the  troops  of  the 
Convention,  on  Prospect  and  Winter  Hills;  expecting  from  you 
a  parole,  for  propriety  of  conduct  within  those  limits;  which, 
if  you  refuse,  I  shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  ordering  you  to 
narrower  limits,  until  I  can  obtain  the  pleasure  of  the  honorable 
the  congress,  touching  this  matter,  to  whom  I  shall  transmit 
your  letter,  and  crave  their  directions. 

I  am  Sir,  your  obedient  serv't. 
(Signed)  W.  HEATH,  Maj.  Gen. 

Head-Quarters,  Boston,  June  18,  1778. 

'•  Sift. — You  will  immediately  repair  to  Cambridge,  and  wait 
upon  Maj.  Gen.  Phillips:  present  him  the  letter,  addressed  to 
him.  After  he  has  read  the  letter,  present  the  parole;  if  he 
signs  it,  well;  if  he  refuses,  you  will  please  to  inform  him,  that 
in  consequence  of  the  indecent,  dishonorable,  and  highly  insulti 
22 


170  WILLIAM  HEATH 

ing  expressions  in  his  letter  of  yesterday,  against  the  honor  and 
dignity  of  the  free,  sovereign,  and  independent  states  of  Ame- 
rica, and  in  prejudice  of  the  measures  and  proceedings  of  the 
honorable  the  congress — as  it  is  my  duty,  so  it  is  my  express  or- 
ders, that  he,  the  said  Maj.  Gen.  Phillips,  be  restricted  to  the 
limits  of  his  house,  yards  and  gardens,  beyond  which  he  is  not  to 
pass,  until  it  be  otherwise  ordered;  and  that  you  immediately 
plant  and  continue  by  relief  so  many  sentries,  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  prevent  his  exceeding  those  limits.  You  will  give  orders 
that  the  sentries,  so  planted,  observe  a  strict  decorum  and  sol- 
dier-like behaviour,  avoiding  insult,  and  behaving  with  beco- 
ming dignity.  After  which  you  will  wait  on  the  next  senior 
officer,  and  acquaint  him  of  Gen.  Phillips  being  confined. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  &c. 
(Signed)  W.  HEATH,  Maj.  Gen. 

Lieut.  Col.  Pollard,  D.  A.  G. 

Gen.  Phillips  continuing  to  exhibit  the  same  temper,  or  it 
rather  growing  upon  him,  he  was  continued  in  his  arrest,  until 
the  troops  of  the  convention  were  ordered  to  be  removed  to 
Charlotteville,  in  Virginia,  when  Gen.  Heath  was  relieved  alto- 
gether of  his  troublesome  guests. 

"In  June,  1779,  Gen.  Heath  was  elected  by  congress  a  com- 
missioner of  the  Board  of  War,  with  a  salary  of  four  thousand 
dollars  per  annum,  and  allowed  to  retain  his  rank  in  the  army, 
which  he  declined,  preferring  to  participate  in  active  operar 
tions  in  the  field. 

In  the  summer  of  1780,  he  was  directed  by  the  commander-in 
chief,  to  repair  to  Rhode-Island,  to  make  arrangements  for  the 
reception  of  the  French  fleet  and  army,  which  were  expected 
soon  to  arrive.  In  his  interview  with  the  Count  Rocharftbeau, 
and  other  officers  of  the  French  army  and  navy,  he  proffered  his 
friendly  civilities,  and  contributed  all  in  his  power  to  their  com- 
fortable accommodation,  which  was  productive  of  a  mutual 
and  lasting  friendship  between  them.  Indefatigable  attention 
to  duty,  in  the  various  stations  assigned  him,  was  a  prominent 
trait  in  his  character.  In  May,  1781,  General  Heath  was  direc- 
ted by  the  commander-in-chief  to  repair  to  the  New-England 


JOHN  EDGAR  HOWARD.        .  171 

states,  to  represent  to  their  respective  executives  the  distress- 
ing condition  of  our  army,  and  to  solicit  a  speedy  supply  of  pro- 
visions and  clothing,  in  which  he  was  successful.  As  senior 
Major-general,  he  was  more  than  once  commander  of  the  right 
wing  of  our  army,  and  during  the  absence  of  the  commander- 
in-chief,  at  the  siege  of  Yorktown,  he  was  entrusted  with  the 
command  of  the  main  army,  posted  at  the  Highlands  and  vicini- 
ty, to  guard  the  important  works  on  the  Hudson.  On  the  24th 
of  June,  1 784,  hostilities  having  ceased  between  the  two  armies, 
General  Washington  addressed  a  letter  to  General  Heath,  ex- 
pressing his  thanks  for  his  meritorious  services,  and  his  great  af- 
fection and  esteem,  and  on  the  same  day  they  took  their  final 
leave. 

Such  was  General  Heath's  public  life.  His  private  one  was 
retired  and  domestic,  amiable,  orderly  and  industrious,  but  not 
remarkable  for  hospitality,  or  a  liberal  appropriation  of  proper- 
ty to  public  purposes.  He  died  at  Roxbury,  January  24,  1814, 
aged  77  years.* 


JOHN  EDGAR  HOWARD, 

Colonel  in  the  American  Army. 

For  gallantry  and  firmness,  decision  of  character  and  sound 
judgment,  Colonel  Howard  was  not  exceeded  by  any  officer  of 
his  rank,  in  the  service  of  his  country.  With  great  intelligence, 
and  skill  in  arms,  he  was  one  of  those  heroic  spirits,  on  whom 
General  Greene  reposed  his  hopes,  during  the  time  he  was 
deepest  in  adversity,  and  in  his  high  determination  to  recover 
the  south,  or  perish  in  the  attempt. 

He  was  born  June  4th,  1752,  near  the  city  of  Baltimore. 
His  paternal  ancestors  were  from  England,  his  maternal  from 
Ireland. 

Burning  with  the  generous  enthusiasm  of  the  time,  Howard 
was  among  the  first  to  enrol  himself  under  the  standard  of  Amer- 
ican liberty.     He  was  first  in  commission  as  a  captain,  and  ;if- 

*Thacher's  Military  Journal. 


172  JOHN  EDGAR  HOWARD. 

terward  as  major,  but  he  does  not  appear  to  have  been  much  in 
action,  until  he  took  his  station,  at  the  head  of  a  regiment,  in 
the  southern  army. 

Accomplished  in  tactics,  and  ripe  in  experience,  although 
only  now  in  his  twenty-seventh  year,  he  was,  in  all  respects,  fitted 
for  the  operations  of  the  field. 

Accordingly,  no  sooner  did  an  Opportunity  for  action  present 
itself,  than  his  valor  as  a  soldier,  and  his  reputation  as  a  com- 
mander, became  conspicuous  in  the  midst  of  the  accomplished 
and  the  brave. 

His  brightest  laurel  was  gathered  at  the  Cowpens,  where,  as- 
suming to  himself  the  responsibility  of  the  act,  he  charged, 
without  orders,  and  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  a  party  of  the 
enemy  superior  in  number  to  his  own  command,  and  consisting 
of  the  flower  of  the  British  army.* 

After  having  thrown  the  British  line  into  confusion,  by  his  fire 
and  unexpected  charge,  he  called  out  to  them  in  a  loud  and 
commanding  voice,  to  surrender,  and  they  should  receive  "good 
quarters." 

On  this  summons  five  hundred  of  them  instantly  threw  down 
their  arms. 

His  interview,  immediately  after  the  action,  with  General 
Morgan,  the  commanding  officer,  was  eminently  interesting; 
and,  were  other  evidence  wanting,  shows  on  how  precarious  a 
footing,  stands  the  reputation  and  the  life  of  a  warrior. 

"My  dear  Howard,"  said  Morgan,  cordially  pressing  his  hand 
as  he  spoke,  "you  have  given  me  victory  and  I  love  and  honor 
you;  but  had  you  filled  in  your  charge,  which  you  risked  with- 
out orders,  I  should  have  shot  you." 

Previously  to  this,  Colonel  Howard  had  distinguished  him- 
self among  those,  who,  by  their  gallantry  and  good  conduct, 
has  sustained  the  character  of  the  American  arms,  and  prevent- 
ed the  utter  destruction  of  the  forces,  in  the  battle  near  Cam- 
den, where  Gates  was  defeated. 

Nor  was  he  entitled  to  less  applause  for  the  spirit  and  judg- 
ment which  he  afterward  displayed  at  Guilford,  Hobkirk's  Hill, 

*I4fe  of  Greene. 


Peter  horry.  173 

and  the  Eutaw  Springs;  at  the  latter  of  which, he  wa"s  severely 
wounded. 

But  a  letter  from  Gen.  Greene,  dated  November  14th,  1781, 
to  a  friend  in  Maryland,  is  conclusive  as  to  the  military  reputa- 
tion of  Col.  Howard. 

"  This  will  be  handed  to  you,  (says  the  General,)  by  Colonel 
Howard,  as  good  an  officer  as  the  world  affords.  He  has  great 
ability,  and  the  best  disposition,  to  promote  the  service.  My 
own  obligations  to  him  are  great — the  public's  still  more  so. 
He  deserves  a  statue  of  gold,  no  less  than  the  Roman  and  Gre- 
cian heroes.  He  has  been  wounded,  Dut  has  happily  recovered, 
•Snd  now  goes  home,  to  pay  a  little  attention  to  his  private  af- 
fairs, and  to  take  charge  of  the  fifth  Maryland  regiment,  recruit- 
ing in  your  state. 

With  great  respect,  and  esteem, 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  yours, 

N.  GREENE. 

On  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  he  married  Miss  Chew,  daugh- 
ter of  the  honorable  Benjamin  Chew,  of  Philadelphia. 

Contented  and  happy  in  domestic  life,  and  much  occupied 
with  his  private  affairs,  he  has  never  sought  political  honors, 
but  left  to  others  to  govern  the  country,  which  he, by  his  valor, 
contributed  to  set  free. 

He  still  resides  on  his  patrimonial  estate,  surrounded  by  a 
large  and  respectable  family,  pre-eminent  in  affluence,  and  pass- 
ing the  evening  of  his  life  in  that  dignified  and  felicitous  retire" 
ment,  which  a  high  and  unsullied  reputation,  a  peaceful  coi> 
science,  a  cultivated  intellect,  and  polished  manners  alone  can 
bestow.'5* 


PETER    HORRY, 

Colonel  in  the  American  Army. 

"This  officer  was  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  many  Protest- 
ant families  who  removed  to  Carolina  from  France,  after  the  re 

*Life  of  Greepe;, 


174  PETER  HORK\ 

vocation  of  the  edict  of  Nantz.     He  early  took  up  arm3  in  de- 
fence of  his  country;  and  through  all  the  trials  of  peril  and  pri- 
vation, experienced  hy  Marion's  brigade,  gave  ample  proof  of 
his  strict  integrity  and  undaunted  courage.     The  fame  which 
he  acquired  as  one  of  the  band  of  heroes  who  defended  the 
post  at  Sullivan's  Island,  was  never  tarnished.     For,  although 
in  a  moment  of  despondency,  he  once  said  to  his  general — "I 
fear  our  happy  days  are  all  gone  by;"  it  was  not  the  consequen- 
ces that  might  accrue  to  himself,  but  the  miseries  apprehended 
for  his  country  that  caused  the  exclamation;  for  never  were  his 
principles  shaken;  never,  even  for  a  moment,  did  the  thought 
of  submission  enter  his  bosom.     No  man  more  eagerly  sought 
the  foe ;  none  braved  danger  with  greater  intrepidity,  or  more 
strenuously  endeavored  to  sustain  the  military  reputation  of  his 
country.     A  ludicrous  story  is  told  of  him,  that,  though  prob- 
ably varied  in  the  narration,  has  its  foundation  in  truth.     Col. 
Horry  was  once  ordered  to  await  the  approach  of  a  British  de- 
tachment in  ambuscade;  a  service  which  he  performed  with 
such  skill,  that  he  had  them  completely  within  his  power;  when 
from  a  dreadful  impediment  in  his  speech,  by  which  he  was  af- 
flicted, he  could  not  articulate  the  word  uJire."     In  vain  he 
made  the  attempt,  it  was  fi,  fi,  fi,  fi, — but  he  could  get  no  fur- 
ther.    At  length,  irritated  almost  to  madness,  he  exclaimed — 
"  Shoot,  damn  you,  shoot — you  know  very  well  what  I  would  say 
— shoot,  shoot,  and  be  damn'd  to  you ! "     He  was  present  in  ev- 
ery engagement  of  consequence,  and  on  all  occasions  increased 
his  reputation.     At  Quinby,  Col.  Baxter,  a  gallant  soldier,  pos- 
sessed of  great  coolness,  and  still  greater  simplicity  of  charac- 
ter, called  out — "I  am  wounded  Colonel!"  Horry  replied — - 
"Think  no  more  of  it,  Baxter,  but  stand  to  your  post."     But  I 
can't  stand  Colonel — 1  am  wounded  a  second  time!"     Then  lie 
down,  Baxter,  but  quit  net  your  post."     "Colonel,  (cried  the 
wounded  man)  they  have  shot  me  again,  and  if  I  remain  any 
longer  here,  I  shall  be  shot  to  pieces."     "Be  it  so,  Baxter,  but 
stir  not."     He  obeyed  the  order,  and  actually  received  a  fourth 
wound  before  the  engagement  ended.*" 

■  ■     i.    ■         m     -'.«i       '  I"    '■' 

♦Garden's  Anecdotes. 


(175) 


JOHN   JAMES, 

Major  in  the  American  Army. 

•*  Was  born  in  Ireland,  in  1732,  and  was  the  son  of  an  officer 
who  had  served  King  William  in  his  wars  in  Ireland  against 
King  James.  This  circumstance  was  the  origin  oi  the  name  of 
Williamsburg,  which  is  now  attached  to  one  of  the  districts  of 
Carolina.  The  elder  James,  with  his  family,  and  several  of  his 
neighbors,  migrated  to  that  district  in  1733,  made  the  first  settle- 
ment there,  and  in  honor  of  King  William  gave  his  name  to  a  vil- 
lage laid  out  on  the  east  bank  of  Black  River.  The  village  is  now 
called  King's  Tree,  from  a  white  or  short-leafed  pine,  which  in 
old  royal  grants  was  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  king;  and  the 
name  of  Williamsburg  has  been  transferred  to  the  district. 
To  it  Major  James,  when  an  infant,  was  brought  by  his  parents. 
His  first  recollections  were  those  of  a  stockade  fort,  and  of  war 
between  the  new  settlers  and  the  natives.  The  former  were 
often  reduced  to  great  straits  in  procuring  the  necessaries  of 
life  and  in  defending  themselves  against  the  Indians.  In  this 
then  frontier  settlement,  Major  James,  Mr.  James  Bradley,  and 
other  compatriots  of  the  revolution,  were  trained  up  to  defend 
and  love  their  country.  Their  opportunities  for  acquiring  libe- 
ral educations  were  slender,  but  for  obtaining  religious  instruc- 
tion were  very  ample.  They  were  brought  up  under  the  eye 
and  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  John  Rae,  a  Presbyterian  minister 
who  accompanied  his  congregation  in  their  migration  from  Ire- 
land to  Carolina.  When  the  revolution  commenced,  in  1775, 
Major  James  had  acquired  a  considerable  portion  both  of  reputa- 
tion and  property.  He  was  a  captain  of  militia  under  George  the 
third.  Disapproving  of  the  measures  of  the  British  government, 
he  resigned  his  royal  commission,  but  was  soon  after  reinstated  by 
a  popular  vote.  In  the  year  1 776,  he  marched  with  his  company 
to  the  defence  of  Charleston.  In  the  year  1779,  he  was  with 
Gen.  Moultrie  on  his  retreat  before  Gen.  Prevost,  and  comman- 
ded 120  riflemen  in  the  skirmish  at  Tulitinny.     When  Charles- 


17$  JOHN  JAMES. 

ton  was  besieged,  in  1780,  Major  James  marched  to  itsdefence^ 
but  Gov.  John  Rutledge  ordered  him  back  to  embody  the  coun- 
try militia.  The  town  having  fallen,  he  was  employed  by  his 
countrymen  to  wait  on  the  conquerors,  and  to  inquire  of  them 
what  terms  they  would  give.  On  finding  that  nothing  short  of 
an  unconditional  submission  and  a  resumption  of  the  characters 
and  duties  of  British  subjects,  would  be  accepted,  he  abruptly 
broke  off  all  negotiation;  and,  rejoining  his  friends,  formed  the 
stamina  of  the  distinguished  corps  known  in  the  latter  periods 
of  the  revolutionary  war  by  the  name  of  Marion's  Brigade.  In 
the  course  of  this  cruel  and  desultory  warfare,  Major  James  was 
reduced  from  easy  circumstances  to  poverty.  All  his  moveable 
property  was  carried  off,  and  every  house  on  his  plantation 
burnt;  but  he  bore  up  under  these  misfortunes,  and  devoted,  not 
only  all  his  possessions,  but  life  itself  for  the  good  of  his  coun- 
try. After  Greene,  as  commander-in-chief,  had  superseded  Ma- 
rion, Major  James  continued  to  serve  under  the  former,  and 
fought  with  him  at  the  battle  of  Eutaw.  The  corps  with  which 
he  served  consisted  mostly  of  riflemen,  and  were  each  served 
with  24  rounds  of  cartridges.  Many  of  them  expended  the 
whole,  and  most  of  them  20  of  these  in  firing  on  the  enemy. 
As  they  were  in  the  habit  of  taking  aim,  their  shot  seldom  fai- 
led of  doing  execution.  Shortly  after  this  action,  Major  James 
and  Gen.  Marion  were  both  elected  members  of  the  state  legis* 
lature.  Before  the  General  had  rejoined  his  brigade,  it  was  un- 
expectedly attacked,  and  after  retreating  was  pursued  by  a  party 
of  the  British  commanded  by  Col.  Thompson,  now  Count  Rum- 
ford.  In  this  retreat,  Major  James  being  mounted,  was  nearly 
overtaken  by  two  British  dragoons,  but  kept  them  from  cutting 
him  down  by  a  judicious  use  of  his  pistols,  and  escaped  by  lea- 
ping a  chasm  in  a  bridge  of  twenty  feet  width.  The  dragoons 
did  not  follow.  The  Major  being  out  of  their  reach,  rallied  his 
men,  brought  them  back  to  the  charge,  and  stopped  the  progress 
of  the  enemy.  When  the  war  was  nearly  over,  he  resigned  his 
commission,  and  like  another  Cincinnatus,  returned  to  his  farm 
and  devoted  the  remainder  of  his  days  to  the  improvement  of 
his  property  ajid  the  education  of  his  children     In  the  year 


HENRY  KNOX.  177 

1791  he  died,  with  the  composure  and  fortittfde  of  a  Christian 
hero."* 


HENRY    KNOX, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army. 

For  the  biography  of  this  distinguished  soldier  of  the  revo- 
lution, and  also  for  that  of  Gen.  Lincoln,  which  follows,  we  are 
indebted  to  the  highly  interesting  work  of  James  Thacher,  M. 
D.  entitled, ki  Military  Journal  during  the  American  Revolution- 
ary War,"  from  which  we  have  extracted  them. 

"Among  those  of  our  countrymen,  who  most  zealously  enga- 
ged in  the  cause  of  liberty,  few  sustained  a  rank  more  deser- 
vedly conspicuous  than  General  Knox.  He  was  one  of  those 
heroes,  of  whom  it  may  be  truly  said,  that  he  lived  for  his 
country. 

Born  in  Boston,  July,  1750,  his  childhood  and  youth  were 
employed  in  obtaining  the  best  education,  that  the  justly  cele- 
brated schools  of  his  native  town  afforded.  In  very  early  life 
he  opened  a  book-store,  for  the  enlargement  of  which  he  soon 
formed  an  extensive  correspondence  in  Europe — but  little  time 
elapsed  before,  at  the  call  of  his  country,  he  relinquished  this 
lucrative  and  increasing  business.  Indebted  to  no  adventitious 
aid,  his  character  was  formed  by  himself;  the  native  and  vigor- 
ous principles  of  his  own  mind  made  him  what  he  was.  Distin- 
guished among  his  associates,  from  the  first  dawn  of  manhood, 
for  a  decided  predilection  to  martial  exercises,  he  was,  at  the 
age  of  eighteen,  selected  by  the  young  men  of  Boston  as  one 
of  the  officers  of  a  company  of  grenadiers — a  company  so  dis- 
tinguished for  its  martial  appearance,  and  the  precision  of  its 
evolutions,  that  it  received  the  most  flattering  encomiums  from 
a  British  officer  of  high  distinction. 

This  early  scene  of  his  military  labours,  served  but  as  a  school 


Ramsay's  South  Caroltrfa 

23 


17JH  HENRY  KNOX 

for  that  distinguished  talent  which  afterward  shone  with  lustre, 
in  the  most  brilliant  campaigns  of  an  eight  years  war;  through 
the  whole  of  which  he  directed  the  artillery  with  consummate 
skill  and  bravery. 

His  heart  was  deeply  engaged  in  the  cause  of  freedom;  he 
fdltit  to  be  a  righteous  cause,  and  to  its  accomplishment  yield- 
ed every  other  consideration.  When  Britain  declared  hostili- 
ties, he  hesitated  not  a  moment,  what  course  he  should  pursue. 
No  sordid  calculation  of  interest  retarded  his  decision.  The 
quiet  of  domestic  life,  the  fair  prospect  of  increasing  wealth, 
and  even  the  endearing  claims  of  family  and  friends,  though 
urged  with  the  most  persuasive  eloquence,  had  no  power  to  di- 
vert the  determined  purpose  of  his  mind. 

In  the  early  stages  of  British  hostility,  though  not  in  commis- 
sion, he  was  not  an  inactive  spectator.  At  the  battle  of  Bun- 
ker-Hill, as  a  volunteer,  he  was  constantly  exposed  to  danger, 
in  reconnoitering  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  his  ardent 
mind  was  engaged  with  others  in  preparing  those  measures  that 
were  ultimately  to  dislodge  the  British  troops,  from  their  boas- 
ted possession  of  the  capital  of  New-England. 

Scarcely  had  we  began  to  feel  the  aggressions  of  the  British 
arms,  before  it  was  perceived,  that  without  artillery,  of  which 
we  were  then  destitute,  the  most  important  objects  of  the  war 
could  not  be  accomplished.  No  resource  presented  itself,  but 
the  desperate  expedient  of  procuring  it  from  the  Canadian  fron- 
tier. To  attempt  this,  in  the  agitated  state  of  the  country, 
through  a  wide  extent  of  wilderness,  was  an  enterprise  so  re- 
plete with  toil  and  danger,  that  it  was  hardly  expected  any  one 
would  be  found  hardy  enough  to  encounter  its  perils.  Knox, 
however,  saw  the  importance  of  the  object — he  saw  his  country 
bleeding  at  every  pore,  without  the  power  of  repelling  her  in- 
vaders— he  saw  the  flourishing  Capital  of  the  North  in  the  pos- 
session of  an  exulting  enemy,  that  we  were  destitute  of  the 
means  essential  to  their  annoyance,  and  formed  the  daring  and 
generous  resolution  of  supplying  the  army  with  ordnance,  how- 
ever formidable  the  obstacles  that  might  oppose  him.  Young, 
robust,  and  vigorous,  supported  by  an  undaunted  spirit,  and  a 


henry  knox.  M8 

mind  ever  fruitful  in  resources,  he  commenced  his  mighty  un- 
dertaking, almost  unattended,  in  the  winter  of  1775,  relying 
solely  for  the  execution  of  his  object,  on  such  aid  as  he  might 
procure  from  the  thinly  scattered  inhabitants  of  the  dreary  re- 
gion through  which  he  had  to  pass.     Every  obstacle  of  season 
roads  and  climate  were  surmounted  by  determined  perseve- 
rance;— and  a  few  weeks,  scarcely  sufficient  for  a  journey  so 
remote,  saw  him  return  laden  with  ordnance  and  the  stores  of 
war — drawn  in  defiance  of  every  obstacle  over  the  frozen  lakes 
and  mountains  of  the  north.     Most  acceptable  was  this  offering 
to  our  defenceless  troops,  and  most  welcome  to  the  comman- 
der-in-chief, who  well  knew  how  to  appreciate  a  service  so  im- 
portant.    This  expedition  stamped  the  character  of  him  who 
performed  it  for  deeds  of  enterprise  and  daring.     He  received 
the  most  flattering  testimony  of  approbation  from  the  comman- 
der-in-chief and  from  Congress,  and  was  in  consequence  of  this 
important  service  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  artillery,  of 
which  he  had  thus  laid  the  foundation, — in  which  command  he 
continued  with  increasing  reputation  through  the  revolutionary 
war. 

Among  the  incidents  that  occurred  during  the  expedition  to 
Canada,  was  his  accidental  meeting  with  the  unfortunate  An- 
dre, whose  subsequent  fate  was  so  deeply  deplored  by  every 
man  of  feeling  in  both  nations.  His  deportment  as  a  soldier 
and  gentleman  so  far  interested  General  Knox  in  his  favor,  that 
he  often  afterward  expressed  the  most  sincere  regret,  that  he 
was  called  by  duty,  to  act  on  the  tribunal  that  pronounced  his 
condemnation. 

During  the  continuance  of  the  war,  the  corps  of  artillery  was 
principally  employed  with  the  main  body  of  the  army,  and  near 
the  person  of  the  commander-in-chief,  and  was  relied  on  as  an 
essential  auxiliary  in  the  most  important  battles. 

Trenton  and  Princeton  witnessed  his  enterprise  and  valor. 
At  that  critical  period  of  our  affairs,  when  hope  had  almost 
yielded  to  despair,  and  the  great  soul  of  Washington,  trembled 
for  his  country's  freedom,  Knox  was  one  of  those  that  strength- 
ened his  hand,  and  encouraged  bis  heart.     At  tfeat  awful  mo? 


180  HENRY  KNOX 

ment,  when  the  tempest  raged  with  its  greatest  fury,  he  with 
Greene  and  other  heroes,  stood  as  pillars  of  the  temple  of  lib- 
erty, till  the  fury  of  the  storm  was  past. 

The  letters  of  General  Knox,  still  extant,  written  in  the  dark- 
est periods  of  the  revolution,  breathed  a  spirit  of  devotedness  to 
the  cause  in  which  he  had  embarked,  and  a  firm  reliance  on  the 
favor  of  Divine  Providence;  from  a  perusal  of  these  letters  it  is 
evident,  that  he  never  yielded  to  despondency,  but  in  the  most 
critical  moments  of  the  war,  confidently-  anticipated  its  trium- 
phant issue. 

In  the  bloody  fields  of  Germantown  and  Monmouth,  without 
derogating  from  the  merits  of  others,  it  may  be  said,  that  during 
the  whole  of  these  hard  fought  battles,  no  officer  was  more  dis- 
tinguished for  the  discharge  of  the  arduous  duties  of  his  com- 
mand ; — in  the  front  of  the  battle,  he  was  seen  animating  his 
soldiers  and  pointing  the  thunder  of  their  cannon.     His  skill 
and  bravery  were  so  conspicuous  on  the  latter  occasion,  that  he 
reoeived  the  particular  approbation  of  the  commander-in-chief, 
in  general  orders  issued  by  him  the  day  succeeding  that  of  the 
battle,  in  which  he  says,  that  "the  enemy  have  done  them  the 
justice  to  acknowledge,  that  no  artillery  could  be  better  served 
than  ours."     But  his  great  exertions  on  that  occasion,  together 
with  the  extreme  heat  of  the  day,  produced  the  most  alarming 
consequences  to  his  health.     To  these  more  important  scenes, 
his  services  were  not  confined;  with  a  zeal  devoted  to  our  cause 
he  was  ever  at  the  post  of  danger — and  the  immortal  hero,  who 
stands  first  on  the  list  of  heroes  and  of  men,  has  often  expressed 
his  sense  of  these  services.     In  every  field  of  battle,  where 
Washington  fought,  Knox  was  by  his  side.     The  confidence  of 
the   commander-in-chief  inspired  by  early  services,  was   thus 
matured  by  succeeding  events.     There  can  be  no  higher  testi- 
mony to  his  merits,  than  that  during  a  war  of  so  long  continu- 
ance, passed  almost  constantly  in  the  presence  of  Washington, 
he  uniformly  retained  his  confidence  and  esteem,  which  at  their 
separation  had  ripened  into  friendship  and  affection.     The  par- 
ting interview  between  General  Knox  and  his  illustrious  and 
beloved  chief,  after  the  evacuation  of  New -York  by  the  British^ 


HENRY  KNOX.  1S1 

and  Knox  had  taken  possession  of  it  at  the  head  of  a  detach- 
ment of  our  army,  was  inexpressibly  affecting.  Tne  hour  of 
their  separation  having  arrived,  Washington,  incapable  of  utte- 
rance, grasped  his  hand  and  embraced  him  in  silence,  and  in 
tears.  His  letters  to  the  last  moment  of  his  life,  contain  tire 
most  flattering  expressions  of  his  unabated  friendship.  Honor- 
able to  himself  as  had  been  the  career  of  his  military  services, 
new  laurels  were  reserved  for  him  at  the  siege  of  Yorktown. 
To  the  successful  result  of  this  memorable  siege,  the  last  bril- 
liant act  of  our  revolutionary  contest,  no  officer  contributed 
more  essentially  than  the  commander  of  the  artillery.  His 
animated  exertions,  his  military  skill,  his  cool  and  determined 
bravery  in  this  triumphant  struggle,  received  the  unanimous 
approbation  of  his  brethren  in  arms,  and  he  was  immediately 
created  major-general  by  Congress,  at  the  recommendation  of 
the  commander-in-chief,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  whole 
army. 

The  capture  of  Lord  Cornwallis  closed  the  contest,  and  with 
it  his  military  life.  Having  contributed  so  essentially  to  the 
successful  termination  of  the  war,  he  was  selected  as  one  of  the 
commissioners  to  adjust  the,  terms  of  peace,  which  service  he 
performed  in  conjunction  with  his  colleagues,  much  to  the  sat- 
isfaction of  his  country.  He  was  deputed  to  receive  the  surren- 
der of  the  city  of  New- York,  and  soon  after  appointed  to  the 
command  of  West  Point.  It  was  here  that  he  was  employed  in 
the  delicate  and  arduous  duty  of  disbanding  the  army,  and  in- 
ducing a  soldiery,  disposed  to  turbulence  by  their  privations  and 
sufferings,  to  retire  to  domestic  life,  and  resume  the  peaceful 
character  of  citizens. 

It  is  a  fact  most  honorable  to  his  character,  that  by  his  coun- 
tenance and  support,  he  rendered  the  most  essential  aid  to  Wash- 
ington, in  suppressing  that  spirit  of  usurpation  which  had  been 
industriously  fomented  by  a  few  unprincipled  and  aspiring  men, 
whose  aim  was  the  subjugation  of  the  country  to  a  military  gov- 
ernment. No  hope  of  political  elevation — no  flattering  assu- 
rances of  aggrandizement  could  tempt  him  to  build  his  great- 
ness on  the  ruin  of  his  country. 


182  HENRY  KNOX. 

The  great  objects  of  Hie  war  being  accomplished,  and  peace 
restored  to  our  country,  General  Knox  was  early,  under  the  con- 
federation, appointed  secretary  of  war  by  Congress,  in  which 
office  he  was  confirmed  by  President  Washington,  after  the  es- 
tablishment of  the  Federal  Government.  The  duties  of  this 
office  were  ultimately  increased,  by  having  those  of  the  navy 
attached  to  them — to  the  establishment  of  which  his  counsel 
and  exertion  eminently  contributed.  He  differed  in  opinion 
from  some  other  members  of  the  cabinet  on  this  most  interest- 
ing subject.*  One  of  the  greatest  men  whom  our  country  has 
produced,  has  uniformly  declared,  that  he  considered  America 
much  indebted  to  his  efforts,  for  the  creation  of  a  power  which 
has  already  so  essentially  advanced  her  respectability  and  fame. 

Having  filled  the  office  of  the  War  Department  for  eleven 
years,  he  obtained  the  reluctant  consent  of  President  Washing- 
ton to  retire,  that  he  might  give  his  attention  to  the  claims  of  a 
numerous  and  increasing  family.  This  retirement  was  in  con- 
currence with  the  wishes  of  Mrs.  Knox,  who  had  accompanied 
him  through  the  trying  vicissitudes  of  war,  shared  with  him  its 
toils  and  perils,  and  who  was  now  desirous  of  enjoying  the  less 
busy  scenes  of  domestic  life.  A  portion  of  the  large  estates  of 
her  ancestor,  General  Waldo,  had  descended  to  her,  which  he  by 
subsequent  purchase  increased  till  it  comprised  the  whole  Waldo 
Patent,  an  extent  of  thirty  miles  square,  and  embracing  a  con- 
siderable part  of  that  section  of  Maine,  which  now  constitutes 
Che  counties  of  Lincoln,  Hancock,  and  Penobscot.  To  these 
estates  he  retired  from  all  concern  in  public  life,  honored  as  a 
soldier  and  beloved  as  a  man,  devoting  much  of  his  time  to  their 
settlement  and  improvement.  He  was  induced  repeatedly  to 
take  a  share  in  the  government  of  the  state,  both  in  the  house  of 
representatives  and  in  the  council,  in  the  discharge  of  those  sev- 
eral duties,  he  employed  his  wisdom  and  experience  with  the 
greatest  assiduity. 

In  1798,  when  the  French  insults  and  injuries  towards  this 
country  called  for  resistance,  he  was  one  of  those  selected  to 

*  President  Adams, 


k 


HENRY  KNOX.  183 

Command  our  armies,  and  to  protect  our  liberty  and  honor,  from 
the  expected  hostilities  of  the  French  Directory:  happily  for  our 
Country  their  services  were  not  required. 

Retired  from  the  theatre  of  active  life,  he  still  felt  a  deep  in- 
terest in  the  prosperity  of  his  country.  To  that  portion  of  it, 
which  he  had  chosen  for  his  residence,  his  exertions  were  more 
immediately  directed.  His  views,  like  his  soul,  were  bold  and 
magnificent,  his  ardent  mind  could  not  want  the  ordinary  course 
of  time  and  events ;  it  outstripped  the  progress  of  natural  im- 
provement. Had  he  possessed  a  cold,  calculating  mind,  he  might 
have  left  behind  him  the  most  ample  wealth;  but  he  would  not 
have  been  more  highly  valued  by  his  country,  or  more  beloved 
by  his  friends.  He  died  at  Montpelier,  his  seat  in  Thomaston, 
25th  of  October,  1 806,  from  sudden  internal  inflammation,  at 
the  age  of  56,  from  the  full  vigor  of  health. 

The  great  qualities  of  Gen.  Knox  were  not  merely  those  of 
the  hero  and  the  statesman;  with  these  were  combined  those  of 
the  elegant  scholar  and  the  accomplished  gentleman.  There 
have  been  those  as  brave  and  as  learned,  but  rarely  a  union  of 
such  valor,  with  so  much  urbanity — a  mind  so  great,  yet  se  free 
from  ostentation. 

Philanthropy  filled  his  heart;  in  his  benevolence  there  was  no 
reserve — it  was  as  diffusive  as  the  globe,  and  extensive  as  the 
family  of  man.  His  feelings  were  strong  and  exquisitely  ten- 
der. In  the  domestic  circle  they  shone  with  peculiar  lustre — 
here,  the  husband,  the  father,  and  the  friend,  beamed  in  every 
smile — and  if  at  any  time  a  cloud  overshadowed  his  own  spirit, 
he  strove  to  prevent  its  influence  from  extending  to  those  that 
were  dear  to  him.  He  was  frank,  generous,  and  sincere,  and 
in  his  intercourse  with  the  world,  uniformly  just.  His  house 
was  the  seat  of  elegant  hospitality,  and  his  estimate  of  wealth, 
was  its  power  of  diffusing  happiness.  To  the  testimony  of  pri- 
vate friendship,  may  be  added  that  of  less  partial  strangers,  who 
have  borne  witness,  both  to  his  public  and  private  virtues. 
Lord  Moira,  who  is  now  perhaps  the  greatest  general  that  Eng- 
land can  boast  of,  has  in  a  late  publication  spoken  in  high  terms 
of  his  military  talents.     Nor  should  the  opinion  of  the  Marquis 


6 J 


164  BENJAMIN  LINCOLN. 

Chattlelcux  be  omitted.  "As  for  Gen.  Knox,"  he  says,  "to 
praise  him  for  his  military  talents  alone,  would  be  to  deprive 
him  of  half  the  eulogium  he  merits;  a  man  of  understanding, 
well  informed,  gay,  sincere,  and  honest — it  is  impossible  to  know 
without  esteeming  him,  or  to  see  without  loving  him.  Thus 
have  the  English,  without  intention,  added  to  the  ornaments  of 
the  human  species,  by  awakening  talents  where  they  least  wish- 
ed or  expected."  Judge  Marshall  also,  in  his  life  of  Washing- 
ton, thus  speaks  of  him:  "throughout  the  contest  of  the  revolu- 
tion, this  officer  had  continued  at  the  head  of  the  American  ar- 
tillery, and  from  being  colonel  of  a  regiment,  had  been  pro- 
moted to  the  rank  of  major  general.  In  this  important  station 
ke  had  preserved  a  high  military  character,  and  on  Hie  resig- 
nation of  General  Lincoln,  had  been  appointed  secretary  of 
war.  To  his  great  services,  and  to  unquestionable  integrity, 
he  was  admitted  to  unite  a  sound  understanding;  and  the  public 
judgment  as  well  as  that  of  the  chief  magistrate,  pronounced 
him  in  all  respects  competent  to  the  station  he  tilled.  The  pre- 
sident was  highly  gratified  in  believing  that  his  public  duty  com- 
ported with  his  private  inclination,  in  nominating  General  Knox 
to  the  office  which  had  been  conferred  on  him  under  the  former 
government." 


BENJAMIN   LINCOLN, 

Major-Gcncral  in  the  American  Army. 

"GeNERAL  Lincoln  deserves  a  high  rank  in  the  fraternity  of 
Americanjieroes.  He  was  born  in  Hingham,  Massachusetts, 
January  23d,  O.  S.  1733.  His  early  education  was  not  auspi- 
cious to  his  future  eminence,  and  his  vocation  was  that  of  a  far- 
mer, till  he  was  more  than  forty  years  of  age,  though  he  was 
commissioned  as  a  magistrate,  and  elected  a  representative  in 
the  state  legislature.  In  the  year  1775,  he  sustained  the  office 
of  lieutenant  colonel  of  militia.  In  1776,  he  was  appointed  by 
the  council  of  Massachusetts,  a  brigadier,  and  soon  after  a  ma- 
jor general,  and  be  applied  himself  assiduously  to  training,  and 


y 


BENJAMIN  LINCOLN.  185 

preparing  the  militia  for  actual  service  in  the  field,  in  which  he 
displayed  the  military  talents  which  he  possessed.  In  October, 
he  marched  with  a  body  of  militia  and  joined  the  main  army 
at  New  York.  The  commander-in-chief,  from  a  knowledge  of 
his  character  and  merit,  recommended  him  to  congress  as  an  ex- 
cellent officer,  and  in  February,  1777y  he  was  by  that  honorable 
body,  created  a  major  general  on  the  continental  establishment. 
For  several  months  he  commanded  a  division,  or  detachments 
in  the  main  army,  under  Washington,  and  was  in  situations 
which  required  the  excercise  of  the  utmost  vigilance  and  cau- 
tion, as  well  as  firmness  and  courage.  Having  the  command  of 
about  five  hundred  men  in  an  exposed  situation  near  Bound 
Brook,  through  the  neglect  of  his  patroies,  a  large  body  of 
the  enemy  approached  within  two  hundred  yards  of  his  quarters 
undiscovered ;  the  general  had  scarcely  time  to  mount  and  leave 
the  house  before  it  was  surrounded.  He  led  off  his  troops,  how- 
ever, in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  and  made  good  his  retreat, 
though  with  the  loss  of  about  sixty  men  killed  and  wounded. 
One  of  his  aids,  with  the  General's  baggage  and  papers  fell  in- 
to the  hands  of  the  enemy,  as  did  also  three  small  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery. In  July  1777,  General  Washington  selected  him  to 
join  the  northern  army  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Gates,  to 
oppose  the  advance  of  Gen.  Burgoyne.  He  took  his  station  at 
Manchester,  in  Vermont,  to  receive  and  form  the  New  England 
militia,  as  they  arrived,  and  to  order  their  march  to  the  rear  of 
the  British  army.  He  detached  Col.  Brown  with  five  hundred 
men,  on  the  13th  of  September,  to  the  landing  at.  Lake  George, 
where  he  succeeded  in  surprising  the  enemy,  and  took*  posses- 
sion of  two  hundred  batteaux,  liberated  one  hundred*  American 
prisoners,  and  captured  two  hundred  and  ninety-Three  of  the 
cnenrvy,  with  the  loss  of  only  three  killed  and  five  wounded. 
This  enterprise  was  of  the  highest  importance,  and  contributed 
essentially  to  the  glorious  event  which  followed.  Having  de- 
tached two  other  parties  to  the  enemy's  posts  at  Mount  Indepen- 
dence and  Skenesborough,  Gen.  Lincoln  united  his  remaining 
force  with  the  army  under  Gen.  Gates,  and  was  the  second  in 
command.  During  the  sanguinary  conflict  on  the  7th  of  Octo- 
24 


186  BENJAMIN  LlNtOLN- 

ber,  Gen.  Lincoln  commanded  within  our  lines,  and  at  one 
o'clock  the  next  morning,  he  marched  with  his  division  to  relieve 
the  troops  that  had  been  engaged,  and  to  occupy  the  battle 
ground,  the  enemy  having  retreated.  While  on  this  duty  he  had 
occasion  to  ride  forward  some  distance,  to  reconnoitre,  and  to 
order  some  disposition  of  his  own  troops,  when  a  party  of  the 
enemy  made  an  unexpected  movement,  and  he  approached 
within  musket  shot  before  he  was  aware  of  his  mistake.  A 
whole  volley  of  musketry  was  instantly  discharged  at  him  and 
his  aids,  and  he  received  a  wound  by  which  the  bones  of  his  leg 
were  badly  fractured,  and  he  was  obliged  to  be  carried  off  the 
field.  The  wound  was  a  formidable  one,  and  the  loss  of  his 
limb  was  for  some  time  apprehended.  He  was  for  severar 
months  confined  at  Albany,  and  it  became  necessary  to  remove 
a  considerable  portion  of  the  main  bone  before  he  was  conveyed 
to  his  house  at  Hingham,  and  under  this  painful  surgical  opera- 
tion, the  writer  of  this  being  present,  witnessed  in  him  a  degree 
of  firmness  and  patience  not  to  be  exceeded.  "I  have  known 
him,"  says  Colonel  Rice,  who  was  a  member  of  his  military  fam- 
ily, "during  the  most  painful  operation  by  the  surgeon,  while  by- 
standers were  frequently  obliged  to  leave  the  room,  entertain  us 
with  some  pleasant  anecdote,  or  story,  and  draw  forth  a  smile 
from  his  friends."  His  wound  continued  several  years  in  an  ul- 
cerated state,  and  by  the  loss  of  the  bone,  the  limb  was  shorten- 
ed, which  occasioned  lameness  during  the  remainder  of  his  life- 
Gen.  Lincoln  certainly  afforded  v^ry  important  assistance  in 
the  capture  of  Burgoyne,  though  it  was  his  unfortunate  lot,  while 
in  active  duty,  to  be  disabled  before  he  could  participate  in  the 
capitulation.  Though  his  recovery  was  not  complete,  he  re- 
paired to  head  quarters  in  the  following  August,  and  was  joyful- 
ly received  by  the  commander-in-chief,  who  well  knew  how  to 
appreciate  his  merit.  It  was  from  a  developement  of  his  esti- 
mable character  as  a  man,  and  his  talents  as  a  military  comman- 
der, that  he  was  designated  by  Congress  for  the  arduous  duties 
of  the  chief  command  in  the  southern  department,  under  innu- 
merable embarrassments.  On  his  arrival  at  Charleston,  De- 
cember, 1778,  he  found  that  he  had  to  form  an  army,  provide 


BENJAMIN  LINCOLN.  187 

.supplies,  and  to  arrange  the  various  departments,  that  he  might 
be  able  to  cope  with  an  enemy  consisting  of  experenced  officers 
and  veteran  troops.  This,  it  is  obvious,  required  a  man  of  su- 
perior powers,  indefatigable  perseverance,  and  unconquerable 
energy.  Had  not  these  been  his  inherent  qualities,  Lincoln 
must  have  yielded  to  the  formidable  obstacles  which  opposed  his 
progress.  About  the  28th  of  December,  General  Prevost  ar- 
rived with  a  fleet,  and  about  three  thousand  British  troops,  and 
took  possession  of  Savannah,  after  routing  a  small  party  of 
Americans,  under  General  Robert  Howe.  Gen.  Lincoln  im- 
mediately put  his  troops  in  motion,  and  took  post  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  river,  about  twenty  miles  from  the  city;  but  he  was 
tiot  in  force  to  commence  offensive  operations,  till  the  last  of 
February.  In  April,  with  the  view  of  covering  the  upper  part 
of  Georgia,  he  marched  to  Augusta,  after  which  Prevost,  the 
British  commander,  crossed  the  river  into  Carolina,  and  march- 
ed for  Charleston.  Gen.  Lincoln,  therefore,  recrossed  the  Sa- 
vannah, and  followed  his  route,  and  on  his  arrival  near  the  city, 
the  enemy  had  retired  from  before  it  during  the  previous  night. 
A  detachment  of  the  enemy,  supposed  to  be  about  six  hundred 
men,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Maitland,  being  posted  at  Stone 
Ferry,  where  they  had  erected  works  for  their  defence,  General 
Lincoln  resolved  to  attack  them,  which  he  did  on  the  19th  of 
June.  The  contest  lasted  one  hour  and  twenty  minutes,  in 
which  he  lost  one  hundred  and  sixty  men  killed  and  wounded, 
and  the  enemy  suffered  about  an  equal  loss.  Their  works  were 
found  to  be  much  stronger  than  had  been  represented,  and  our 
artillery  proving  too  light  to  annoy  them,  and  the  enemy  receiv- 
ing a  reinforcement,  our  troops  were  obliged  to  retire. 

The  next  event  of  importance  which  occurred  with  our  Gen- 
rial,  was  the  bold  assault  on  Savannah,  in  conjunction  with  the 
Count  D'Estaing.  General  Prevost  had  again  possessed  him- 
self of  that  city,  and  Count  D'Estaing  arrived  with  his  fleet  and 
armament  in  the  beginning  of  September,  1779.  Having  land- 
ed nearly  three  thousand  French  troops,  Gen.  Lincoln  imme- 
diately united  about  one  thousand  men  to  his  force.  The 
.prospect  of  success  was  highly  flattering,  but  the  enemy  exerted 


188  BENJAMIN  LINCOLN 

all  their  eflorts  in  strengthening  their  line*,  and  after  the  counX 
had  summoned  the  garrison,  and  while  Prevost  was  about  to  ar- 
range articles  of  capitulation,  he  received  a  reinforcement,  li 
was  now  resolved  to  attempt  the  place  by  a  regular  siege,  but 
various  causes  occasioned  a  delay  of  several  days,  and  when  it 
commenced,  the  cannonade  and  bombardment  failed  of  produ- 
cing the  desired  effect,  and  the  short  time  allowed  the  count  on 
our  coast,  ti as  quite  insufficient  for  reducirg  the  garrison  by 
regular  approaches.  The  commanders  concluded  therefore,  to 
make  an  effort  on  the  works  by  assault.  On  the  9th  of  October 
in  the  morning,  the  troops  were  led  on  by  D'Estaing  and  Lin- 
coln united,  while  a  column  led  by  Count  Dillon  missed  their 
route  in  tbe  darkness,  aid  failed  of  the  intended  co-operation. 
Amidst  a  most  appalling  fire  of  the  covered  enemy,  the  allied 
troops  forced  the  abbatis,  and  planted  two  standards  on  the  par- 
apets. But  being  overpowered  at  the  point  of  attack,  they 
were  compelled  to  retire;  the  French  having  seven  hundred, 
the  Americans  two  hundred  and  forty  killed  and  wounded. 
The  Count  Pulaski,  at  the  head  of  a  body  of  our  horse,  was 
mortally  wounded. 

General  Lincoln  next  repaired  to  Charleston,  and  endeavored 
to  put  that  city  in  a  posture  of  defence,  urgently  requesting  of 
congress  a  reinforcement  of  regular  troops,  and  additional  sup- 
plies, which  were  but  partially  complied  with.  In  February, 
1780,  General  Sir  Henry  Clinton  arrived,  and  landed  a  formi- • 
dable  force  in  the  vicinity,  and  on  the  30th  of  March  encamped 
in  front  o/  the  American  lines  at  Charleston.  Considering  Uk,* 
vast  superiority  of  the  enemy,  both  in  sea  and  land  forces,  it 
might  be  questioned  whether  prudence  and  correct  judgment, 
would  dictate  an  attempt  to  defend  the  city;  it  will  not  be  sup- 
posed however,  that  the  determination  was  formed  without  the 
most  mature  deliberation,  and  for  reasons  perfectly  justifiable. 
Itis  well  known  that  the  general  was  in  continual  expectation  of 
an  augmentation  of  strength  by  reinforcements.  On  the  10th 
of  April,  the  enemy  having  made  some  advances,  summoned  the 
garrison  to  an  unconditional  surrender,  which  was  promptly  re- 
cused.    A  heavy  and  incessant  cannonade  was  sustained  on  each 


ii~NJAVIN  LINCOLN.  f&9 

side,  till  the  11th  of  May,  when  the  besiegers  had  completed 
their  third  parallel  line,  and  having  made  a  second  demand  of 
surrender,  a  capitulation  was  agreed  on. 

It  is  to  be  lamented  that,  with  all  the  judicious  and  vigorous 
efforts  in  his  power,  General  Lincoln  was  requited  only  by  the 
frowns  of  fortune,  whereas  had  he  been  successful  in  his  bold 
enterprise  and  views,  he  would  have  been  crowned  with  unfa* 
ding  laurels.  But  notwithstanding  a  series  of  disappointments 
and  unfortunate  occurrences,  he  was  censured  by  no  one,  nor 
was  his  judgment  or  merit  called  in  question.  He  retained  his 
popularity,  and  the  confidence  of  the  army,  and  was  considered 
as  a  most  zealous  patriot,  and  the  bravest  of  soldiers. 

In  the  campaign  of  1731,  General  Lincoln  commanded  a  di- 
vision under  Washington,  and  at  the  siege  of  Yorktown  he  had 
his  full  share  of  the  honor  of  that  brilliant  and  auspicious  event. 
The  articles  of  capitulation  stipulated  for  the  same  honor  in 
favor  of  the  surrendering  army,  as  had  been  granted  to  the  gar- 
rison of  Charleston.  General  Lincoln  was  appointed  to  con- 
duct them  to  the  field  where  their  arms  were  deposited,  and 
received  the  customary  submission.  In  the  general  order  of  the 
commander-in-chief  the  day  after  the  capitulation,  General  Lin- 
coln was  among  the  general  officers  whose  services  were  particu- 
larly mentioned.  In  October,  1781,  he  was  chosen  by  congress 
secretary  of  war,  retaining  his  rank  in  the  army.  In  this  offee 
he  continued  till  October,  1783,  when  his  proffered  resignation 
was  accepted  by  congress. 

Having  relinquished  the  duties  and  cares  of  a  public  employ- 
ment, he  retired  and  devoted  his  attention  to  his  farm;  but  in 
1784,  he  was  chosen  one  of  the  commissioners  and  agents  on 
the  part  of  the  state  to  make  and  execute. a  treaty  with  the  Pe- 
nobscot Indians.  When  in  the  year  1786 — 7,  the  authority  of 
our  state  government  was  in  a  manner  prostrated,  and  the  coun- 
try alarmed  by  a  most  audacious  spirit  of  insurrection,  under 
the  guidance  of  Shays  and  Day,  General  Lincoln  was  appointed 
by  the  governor  and  council,  to  command  a  detachment  of  mi- 
litia, consisting  of  four  or  five  thousand  men,  to  oppose  their 
progress,  and  compel  them  to  a  submission  to  the  laws.     He 


190  BENJAMIN  LINCOLN. 

marched  from  Boston  on  the  20th  of  January,  into  the  counties 
of  Worcester,  Hampshire,  and  Berkshire,  where  the  insurgents 
had  erected  their  standard.  They  were  embodied  in  considera- 
ble force,  and  manifested  a  determined  resistance,  and  a  slight 
skirmish  ensued  between  them  and  a  party  of  militia  under  Gen. 
Shepherd.  Lincoln,  however,  conducted  with  such  address  and 
energy,  that  the  insurgents  were  routed  from  one  town  to  ano- 
ther, till  they  were  completely  dispersed  in  all  directions;  and 
by  his  wise  and  prudent  measures  the  insurrection  was  happily 
suppressed  without  bloodshed,  excepting  a  few  individuals  who 
were  slain  under  Gen.  Shepherd's  command. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  convention  for  ratifying  the  federal 
constitution,  and  in  the  summer  of  1789,  he  received  from  Presi- 
dent Washington  the  appointment  of  collector  of  the  port  of 
Boston,  which  office  he  sustained  till  being  admonished  by  the 
increasing  infirmities  of  age,  he  requested  permission  to  resign. 

Having  after  his  resignation  of  the  office  of  collector  passed 
about  two  years  in  retirement,  and  in  tranquility  of  mind,  but 
experiencing  the  feebleness  of  age,  hcreceived  a  short  attack  of 
disease  by  which  his  honorable  life  was  terminated  on  the  9th  of 
May,  1810,  aged  77  years. 

The  following  tribute  is  on  the  records  of  the  society  of  Cin- 
cinnati. "At  the  annual  meeting  in  July,  1810,  Major-General 
John  Brooks  was  chosen  president  of  the  society,  to  supply  the 
place  of  our  venerable  and  much  lamented  president,  Gen.  Beja- 
min  Lincoln,  who  had  presided  over  the  society  from  the  organi- 
zation thereof  in  1783,  to  the  9th  of  May,  1810,  the  day  of  his 
decease,  with  the  entire  approbation  of  every  member,  and  the 
grateful  tribute  of  his  surviving  comrades,  for  his  happy  gui- 
dance and  affectionate  attentions  during  so  long  a  period." 

While  at  Purysburg,  on  the  Savannah  River,  a  soldier  named 
Fickling,  having  been  detected  in  frequent  attempts  to  desert, 
was  tried  aid  sentenced  to  be  hanged.  The  general  ordered 
the  execution.  The  rope  broke;  a  second  was  procured  which 
broke  also;  the  case  was  reported  to  the  general  for  directions. 
"Let  him  run,  said  the  general,  "I  thought  he  looked  like  f*. 
.scape-gallows." 


BENJAMIN  LINCOLN.  191 

Major  Garden,  in  his  Anecdotes  of  the  American  Revolution, 
relates  this  story  with  some  addition.  It  happened  that,  as 
Fickling  was  led  to  execution,  the  surgeon-general  of  the  army 
passed  accidentally,  on  his  way  to  his  quarters,  which  were  at 
some  distance.  When  the  second  rope  was  procured,  the  adju- 
tant of  the  regiment,  a  stout  and  heavy  man,  assayed  by  every 
means  to  break  it,  but  without  effect.  Fickling  was  then  hal- 
tered and  again  turned  off, -when,  to  the  astonishment  of  the  by- 
standers, the  rope  untwisted,  and  he  fell  a  second  time  uninjured 
to  the  ground.  A  cry  for  mercy  was  now  general  throughout  the 
ranks,  which  occasioned  Major  Ladson,  aid-de-camp  to  General 
Lincoln,  to  gallop  to  head-quarters,  to  make  a  representation  of 
facts  which  were  no  sooner  stated,  than  an  immediate  pardon 
was  granted,  accompanied  with  an  order  that  he  should  instanta- 
neously be  drummed,  with  every  mark  of  infamy,  Out  of  camp, 
and  threatened  with  instant  death,  if  he  ever  should  be  found 
attempting  to  approach  it.  In  the  interim,  the  surgeon-general 
had  established  himself  at  his  quarters,  in  a  distant  barn,  little 
doubting  but  that  the  catastrophe  was  at  an  end,  and  Fickling 
quietly  restiug  in  his  grave.  Midnight  was  at  hand,  and  he  was 
busily  engaged  in  writing,  when  hearing  the  approach  of  a  foot- 
step, he  raised  his  eyes,  and  saw  with  astonishment  the  figure  of 
the  man,  who  had  in  his  opinion  been  executed,  slowly  and  with 
haggard  countenance,  approaching  towards  him.  "How!  how 
is  this?"  exclaimed  the  doctor,  "whence  come  you?  what  do 
you  want  with  me?  were  you  not  hanged  this  morning? "  "Yes 
sir,"  replied  the  resuscitated  man,  "1  am  the  wretch  you  saw 
going  to  the  gallows,  and  who  was  hanged."  "  Keep  your  dis- 
tance," said  the  doctor,  "approach  me  not,  till  you  say  why  you 
eome  here."  "  Simply  sir,"  said  the  supposed  spectre,  "  to  soli- 
cit food.  I  am  no  ghost,  doctor.  The  rope  broke  twice,  while 
the  executioner  was  doing  his  office,  and  the  general  thought 
proper  to  pardon  me."  "If  that  be  the  case,"  rejoined  the 
doctor,  "eat  and  be  welcome;  but  I  beg  of  you  in  future  to 
have  a  little  more  consideration,  and  not  intrude  so  unceremo- 
niously into  the  apartment  of  one,  who  had  every  right  to  sup- 
pose you  an  inhabitant  of  the  tomb."* 

*  Thacher's  Military  Joumai." 


(19B) 


JOHN    LAURENS.. 

Colonel  in  the  American  Army. 

"  Son  of  Henry  Laurens,  was  born  in  Charleston,  in  1755. — 
In  youth  he  discovered  that  energy  of  character  which  distin- 
guished  him  through  life.  When  a  lad,  though  laboring  under 
a  fever,  on  the  cry  of  fire,  he  leaped  from  his  bed,  hastened  to 
the  scene  of  danger,  and  was  in  a  few  minutes  on  the  top  of  the 
exposed  houses,  risking  his  life,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  the 
flames.  This  is  the  more  worthy  of  notice,  for  precisely  in  the 
fame  way,  and  under  a  similar,  but  higher  impulse  of  ardent 
patriotism,  he  lost  his  life  in  the  year  1782. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  was  taken  to  Europe  by  his  father, 
and  there  put  under  the  best  means  of  instruction  in  Geneva, 
and  afterward  in  London. 

He  was  entered  a  student  of  law  at  the  temple  in  1774,  and 
was  daily  improving  in  legal  knowledge  till  the  disputes  between 
Great  Britain  and  her  colonies  arrested  his  attention.  He  soon 
found  that  the  claims  of  the  mother  country  struck  at  the  root 
of  liberty  in  the  colonies,  and  that  she  persevcringly  resolved  to 
enforce  these  claims  at  every  hazard.  Fain  would  he  have  come 
out  to  join  his  countrymen  in  arms  at  the  commencement  of  the 
contest;  but  the  peremptory  order  of  his  father  enjoined  his 
continuance  in  England,  to  prosecute  his  studies  and  finish  hjs 
education.  As  a  dutiful  son  he  obeyed  these  orders;  but  as  a 
patriot»burning  with  desire  to  defend  his  country,  he  dismissed 
Coke,  Littleton,  and  all  the  tribe  of  jurists,  and  substituted  in 
their  place,  Vauban,  Folard,  and  other  writers  on  war.  He 
also  availed  himself  of  the  excellent  opportunities  which  Lon-  ~ 
don  affords  of  acquiring  practical  knowledge  of  the  manual 
exercise,  of  tactics,  and  the  mechanism  of  war.  Thus  instruc- 
ted, as  soon  as  he  was  a  freeman  of  legal  age,  he  quitted  Eng- 
land for  France,  and  by  a  circuitous  voyage  in  neutral  vessels, 
and  at  a  considerable  risk  made  his  way  good,  in  the  year  1 777, 
to  Charleston 


JOHN  LAURENS.  10o 

independence  had  been  declared — the  American  army  was 
raised,  officered,  and  in  the  field.  He  who,  by  his  attainments 
in  general  science,  and  particularly  in  the  military  art,  deser- 
ved high  rank,  had  no  ordinary  door  left  open  to  serve  his  coun- 
try, but  by  entering  in  the  lowest  grade  of  an  army  abounding 
with  officers.  Gen.  Washington,  ever  attentive  to  merit,  in- 
stantly took  him  into  his  family  as  a  supernumerary  aid-de- 
camp. Shortly  after  this  appointment,  he  had  an  opportunity 
of  indulging  his  military  ardor.  He  fought  and  was  wounded 
in  the  battle  of  Germantown,  October  4th,  17T7.  He  continued 
in  Gen.  Washington's  family  in  the  middle  states  till  the  British 
had  retreated  from  Philadelphia  to  New-York,  and  was  engaged 
in  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  June  28,  1778. 

After  this,  the  war  being  transferred  more  northwardly,  he 
was  indulged  in  attaching  himself  to  the  army  on  Rhode-Island, 
where  the  most  active  operations  were  expected  soon  to  take 
place.  There  he  was  intrusted  with  the  command  of  some 
light  troops.  The  bravery  and  good  conduct  which  he  display- 
ed on  this  occasion  was  honored  by  congress. 

On  the  5th  of  November,  1778,  they  resolved,  "that  John  Lau- 
rens. Esq.  aid-de-camp  to  Gen.  Washington,  be  presented  with  a 
continental  commission  of  lieutenant-colonel,  in  testimony  of  the 
sense  which  congress  entertain  of  his  patriotic  and  spirited  ser- 
vices as  a  volunteer  in  the  American  army;  and  of  his  brave 
conduct  in  several  actions,  particularly  in  that  of  Rhode-Island, 
on  the  29th  of  August  last;  and  that  General  Washington  be 
directed,  whenever  an  opportunity  shall  offer,  to  give  lieuten- 
ant-colonel Laurens  command  agreeable  to  his  rank."  On  the 
next  day,  a  letter  from  Lieut.  Col.  Laurens  was  read  in  con- 
gress, expressing  "  his  gratitude  for  the  unexpected  honor  which 
congress  were  pleased  to  confer  on  him  by  the  resolution  pas- 
sed the  day  before;  and  the  high  satisfaction  it  would  have 
afforded  him,  could  he  have  accepted  it  without  injuring  the 
rights  of  the  officers  in  the  line  of  the  army,  and  doing  an  evi- 
dent injustice  to  his  colleagues  in  the  family  of  the  comman- 
der-in-chief— that  having  been  a  spectator  of  the  convulsions 
occasioned  in  the  army  by  disputes  of  rank,  he  held  the  tran 
25 


/ 

101  JOHN  LAURENS. 

quilily  of  it  too  dear  to  be  instrumental  in  disturbing  it,  and 
therefore  entreated  congress  to  suppress  the  resolve  of  jester- 
day,  ordering  him  a  commission  of  lieutenant-colonel,  and  to 
accept  his  sincere  thanks  for  the  intended  honor."  In  this  re- 
linquishment there  was  a  victory  gained  by  patriotism  over  self- 
love.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Laurens  loved  military  fame  and 
rank;  but  he  loved  his  country  more,  and  sacrificed  the  former 
to  preserve  the  peace  and  promote  the  interests  of  the  latter. 

In  the  next  year  the  British  directed  their  military  operations 
chiefly  against  the  most  southern  states.  Lieut.  Col.  John  Lau- 
rens was  induced  by  double  motives  to  repair  to  Carolina.  The 
post  of  danger  was  always  the  object  of  his  preference.  His 
native  state  was  become  the  theatre  of  war.  To  its  aid  he 
repaired,  and  in  May  1779  with  a  party  of  light  troops,  had  a 
skirmish  with  the  British  at  Tulirinny.  In  endeavoring  to  ob- 
struct their  progress  towards  Charleston,  he  received  a  wound. 
This  was  no  sooner  cured  than  he  rejoined  the  arrny,  and  was 
engaged  in  the  unsuccessful  attack  on  Savannah,  on  the  9th  of 
October  of  the  same  year.  To  prepare  for  the  defence  of 
Charleston,  the  reduction  of  winch  was  known  to  be  contem- 
plated by  the  British,  was  the  next  object  of  attention  among 
the  Americans.  To  this  Colonel  Laurens  devoted  all  the  ener- 
gies of  his  active  mind. 

In  the  progress  of  the  siege,  which  commenced  in  1780,  the 
success  of  defensive  operations  became  doubtful.  Councils  of 
war  were  frequent — several  of  the  citizens  were  known  to  wish 
for  a  surrender  as  a  termination  of  their  toils  and  dangers.  In 
these  councils  and  on  proper  occasions,  Colonel  Laurens  advoca- 
ted the  abandonment  of  the  front  lines,  and  to  retire  to  new 
ones,  to  be  erected  within  the  old  ones,  and  to  risk  an  assault. 
When  these  spirited  measures  wereopposed  on  the  suggestion 
that  the  inhabitants  preferred  a  capitulation,  he  declared  that 
he  would  direct  his  sword  to  the  heart  of  the  first  citizen  who 
would  urge  a  capitulation  against  the  opinion  of  the  comman- 
der-in-chief. 

When  his  superior  officers,  convinced  of  the  inefficacy  of  fur- 
ther resistance,  were  disposed  to  surrender  on  terms  of  capitu- 


JOHN  LAURENS.  195 

lation,  he  yielded  to  the  necessity  of  the  case,  and  became  a 
prisoner  of  war.  This  reverse  of  fortune  opened  a  new  door 
for  serving  his  country  in  a  higher  line  than  he  ever  yet  had 
done.  He  was  soon  exchanged,  and  reinstated  in  a  capacity  for 
acting.  In  expediting  his  exchange,  congress  had  the  ulterior 
view  of  sending  him  as  a  special  minister  to  Paris,  that  he  might 
urge  the  necessity  of  a  vigorous  co-operation  on  the  part  of 
France  with  the  United  States  against  Great  Britain.  When 
this  was  proposed  to  Colonel  Laurens,  he  recommended  and 
urged  that  Col.  Alexander  Hamilton  should  be  employed  in 
preference  to  himself.     Congress  adhered  to  their  first  choice. 

Colonel  Laurens  sailed  for  France  in  the  latter  end  of  1780: 
and  there  in  conjunction  with  Dr.  Franklin,  and  Count  de  Ver- 
gennes,  and  Marquis  de  Castries,  arranged  the  plan  of  the  cam- 
paign for  1781;  which  eventuated  in  the  surrender  of  Lord 
Cornwallis,  and  finally  in  a  termination  of  the  war.  Within 
six  months  from  the  day  Col.  Laurens  left  America,  he  returned 
to  it,  and  brought  with  him  the  concerted  plan  of  combined  ope- 
rations. Ardent  to  rejoin  the  army,  he  was  indulged  with  ma- 
king a  verbal  report  of  his  negotiations  to  congress;  and  in  three 
days  set  out  to  resume  his  place  as  one  of  the  aids  of  Washing- 
ton. The  American  and  French  army,  about  this  time  com- 
menced the  siege  of  Yorktown.  In  the  course  of  it,  Col.  Lau- 
rens, as  second  in  command,  with  his  fellow-aid,  Col.  Hamilton, 
assisted  in  storming  and  taking  an  advanced  British  redoubt, 
which  expedited  the  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis.  The  arti- 
cles of  capitulation  were  arranged  by  Col.  Laurens  on  behalf 
of  the  Americans. 

Charleston  and  a  part  of  South  Carolina  still  remained  in  the 
power  of  the  British.  Colonel  Laurens  thought  nothing  done 
while  any  thing  remained  undone.  He  therefore,  on  the  sur- 
render of  Lord  Cornwallis  repaired  -to  South  Carolina,  and 
joined  the  southern  army  commanded  by  General  Greene.  In 
the  course  of  the  summer  of  1782  he  caught  a  common  fever, 
and  was  sick  in  bed  when  an  expedition  was  undertaken  against 
a  party  of  British,  which  had  gone  to  Combakee  to  carry  off 
rice.     Col.  Laurens  rose  from  his  sick  bed  and  joined  his  conn- 


idO  CHARLES  LEE 

trymcn.  While  leading  an  advanced  party,  he  received  a  slioi 
which,  on  the  27th  of  August,  1702,  at  the  close  of  the  war, 
put  an  end  to  his  valuable  lile  in  the  27th  year  of  his  age. — 
His  many  virtues  have  been  ever  since  the  subject  of  eulogy, 
and  his  early  fall,  of  national  lamentation.  The  fourth  of  Jury- 
seldom  passes  without  a  tribute  to  his  memory."* 


CHARLES   LEE, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army, 

Gen.  Lee  was  an  original  genius  possessing  the  most  brilliant 
talents,  great  military  powers,  and  extensive  intelligence  and 
knowledge  of  the  world.  He  was  born  in  Wales,  his  family 
Springing  from  the  same  parent  stock  with  the  Earl  of  Leicester. 

He  may  be  properly  called  a  child  of  Mars,  for  he  was  an  officer 
when  but  eleven  years  old.  His  favorite  study  was  the  science 
of  war,  and  his  warmest  wish  was  to  become  distinguished  in  it; 
but  though  possessed  of  a  military  spirit,  he  was  ardent  in  the 
pursuit  of  general  knowledge.  He  acquired  a  competent  skill 
in  Greek  and  Latin,  while  his  fondness  for  travelling  made  him 
acquainted  with'  the  Italian,  Spanish,  German,  and  French  lan- 
guages. 

In  1756,  he  came  to  America,  captain  of  a  company  of  grena- 
diers, and  was  present  at  the  defeat  of  General  Abcrcrombie,  at 
Ticonderoga,  where  he  received  a  severe  wound.  In  1762,  he 
bore  a  colonel's  commission,  and  served  under  Burgoync  in  Por- 
tugal, where  he  greatly  distinguished  himself,  and  received  the 
strongest  recommendations,  for  his  gallantry;  but  his  early  at- 
tachment to  the  American  colonies,  evinced  in  his  writings 
against  the  oppressive  acts  of  parliament,  lost  him  the  favor  of 
the  ministry.  Despairing  of  promotion,  and  despising  a  life  of 
inactivity,  he  left  his  native  soil  and  entered  into  the  service  of 
his  Polish  majesty,  as  one  of  his  aids,  with  the  rank  of  major- 
general. 

*  Ramsay's  South  Carolina,- 


CHARLES  LEE.  197 

His  rambling  disposition  led  him  to  travel  all  over  Europe, 
during  the  years  of  1771,  1772,  and  part  of  1773,  and  his 
warmth  of  temper  drew  him  into  several  rencounters,  among 
which  was  an  affair  of  honor  with  an  officer  in  Italy.  The  con- 
test was  begun,  with  swords,  when  the  general  lost  two  of  his 
fingers.  Recourse  was  then  had  to  pistols.  His  adversary  was 
slain,  and  he  was  obliged  to  flee  from  the  country,  in  order 
that  he  might  avoid  the  unpleasant  circumstances  which  might 
result  from  this  unhappy  circumstance. 

Gen.  Lee  appeared  to  be  influenced  by  an  innate  principle  of 
republicanism;  an  attachment  to  these  principles  was  implanted  . 
in  the  constitution  of  his  mind,  and  he  espoused  the  cause  of 
America  as  a  champion  of  her  emancipation  from  oppression. 

Glowing  with  these  sentiments,  he  embarked  for  this  country 
and  arrived  at  New-York  on  the  10th  of  November  (773.  On 
his  arrival,  he  became  daily  more  enthusiastic  in  the  cause  of 
liberty,  and  travelled  rapidly  through  the  colonies,  animating, 
both  by  conversation  and  his  eloquent  pen,  to  a  determined  and 
persevering  resistance  to  British  tyranny. 

His  enthusiasm  in  favor  of  the  rights  of  the  colonies  was  such, 
that,  after  the  battle  of  Lexington,  he  accepted  a  major-gene- 
ral^ commission  in  the  American  army;  though  his  ambition 
had  pointed  out  to  him  the  post  of  commander-in-chief,  as  the 
object  of  his  wishes.  Previous  to  this,  however,  he  resigned  his 
commission  in  the  British  service,  and  relinquished  his  half-pay - 
This  he  did  in  a  letter  to  the  British  Secretary  at  Wan  in  which 
he  expressed  his  disapprobation  of  the  oppressive  measures  of 
Parliament,  declaring  them  to  be  so  absolutely  subversive  of  the 
rights  and  liberties  of  every  individual  subject,  so  destructive  to 
the  whole  empire  at  large,  and  ultimately,  so  ruinous  to  his  ma- 
jesty's own  person,  dignity,  and  family,  that  he  thought  himself 
obliged  in  conscience,  as  a  citizen,  Englishman,  and  soldier  of  a 
free  state,  to  ex^rt  his  utmost  to  defeat  them." 

Immediately  upon  receiving  his  appointment,  he  accompanied 
General  Washington  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  where  he  arri 
ved  July  2d,  1775,  and  was  received  with  every  mark  of  respect. 

As  soon  as  it  was  discovered  at  Cambridge  that  the  British 


198  CHARLES  LEE. 

General  Clinton  had  left  Boston,  General  Lee  was  ordered  tu 
set  forward,  to  observe  his  manoeuvres,  and  prepare  to  meet 
him  in  any  part  of  the  continent  he  might  visit.  No  man  was 
better  qualified,  at  this  early  state  of  the  war,  to  penetrate  the 
designs  of  the  enemy,  than  Lee.  Nursed  in  the  camp,  and  well 
versed  in  European  tactics,  the  soldiers  believed  him,  of  all 
other  officers,  the  best  able  to  face  in  the  field  an  experienced 
British  veteran,  and  lead  them  on  to  victory. 

New- York  was  supposed  to  be  the  object  of  the  enemy,  and 
hither  he  hastened  with  all  possible  expedition.  Immediately, 
on  his  arrival,  Lee  took  the  most  active  and  prompt  measures  to 
put  it  in  a  state  of  defence.  He  disarmed  all  suspected  persons 
within  the  reach  of  his  command,  and  proceeded  with  such  ri- 
gor against  the  tories,  as  to  give  alarm  at  his  assumption  of  mili- 
tary powers.  From  the  tories  he  exacted  a  strong  oath,  and  his 
bold  measures  carried  terror  wherever  he  appeared. 

"  Not  long  after  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
southern  department,  and  in  his  travels  through  the  country,  he 
received  every  testimony  of  high  respect  from  the  people. 
General  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  and  Sir  Peter  Parker,  with  a  pow- 
erful fleet  and  army,  attempted  the  reduction  of  Charleston, 
while  he  was  in  the  command.  The  fleet  anchored  within  half 
musket-shot  of  the  fort  on  Sullivan's  Island ;  where  Col.  Moul- 
trie, one  of  the  bravest  and  most  intrepid  of  men,  commanded. 
A  tremendous  engagement  ensued  on  the  28th  of  June,  1776, 
which  lasted  twelve  hours  without  intermission.  The  whole 
British  force  was  completely  repulsed,  after  suffering  an  irrepa- 
rable loss. 

Gen.  Lee  and  Col.  Moultrie  received  the  thanks  of  congress 
for  their  signal  bravery  and  gallantry. 

Our  hero  had  now  reached  the  pinnacle  of  his  military  glory ; 
the  eclat  of  his  name  alone  appeared  to  enchant  and  animate  the 
most  desponding  heart.  But  here  we  pause  to  Contemplate  the 
humiliating  reverse  of  human  events.  He  returned  to  the  main 
army  in  October;  and  in  marching  at  the  head  of  a  large  detach- 
ment through  the  Jerseys,  having,  from  a  desire  of  retaining  a 
separate  command,  delayed  his  march  several  days,  in  disobedi- 


CHARLES  LEE.  199 

cnce  of  express  orders  from  the  commander-in-chief,  he  was 
guilty  of  most  culpable  negligence  in  regard  to  his  personal  se- 
curity. He  took  up  his  quarters  two  or  three  miles  from  the 
main  body,  and  lay  for  the  night,  December  13th,  1776,  in  a 
careless,  exposed  situation.  Information  of  this  being  commu- 
nicated to  Colonel  Harcourt,  who  commanded  the  British  light- 
horse,  he  proceeded  immediately  to  the  house,  fired  into  it,  and 
obliged  the  general  to  surrender  himself  a  prisoner.  They 
mounted  him  on  a  horse  in  haste,  without  his  cloak  or  hat,  and 
conveyed  him  in  triumph  to  New- York."* 

Lee  was  treated,  while  a  prisoner,  with  great  severity  by  the 
enemy,  who  affected  to  consider  him  as  a  state  prisoner  and  de- 
serter from  the  service  of  his  Brittanic  majesty,  and  denied  the 
privileges  of  an  American  officer.  Gen.  Washington  promptly 
retaliated  the  treatment  received  by  Lee  upon  the  British  offi- 
cers in  his  possession.  This  state  of  things  existed  until  the 
capture  of  Burgoyne,  when  a  complete  change  of  treatment 
was  observed  towards  Lee ;  and  he  was  shortly  afterward  ex- 
changed. 

The  first  military  act  of  General  Lee,  after  his  exchange, 
closed  his  career  in  the  American  army.  Previous  to  the  bat- 
tle of  Monmouth,  his  character  in  general  was  respectable. 
From  the  beginning  of  the  contest,  his  unremitted  zeal  in  the 
cause  of  America  excited  and  directed  the  military  spirit  of  the 
whole  continent;  and  his  conversation  inculcated  the  principles 
of  liberty  among  all  ranks  of  the  people. 

His  important  services  excited  the  warm  gratitude  of  many  of 
the  friends  of  America.  Hence  it  is  said  that  a  strong  party 
was  formed  in  congress,  and  by  some  discontented  officers  in  the 
army,  to  raise  Lee  to  the  first  cemmand:  and  it  has  been  sugges- 
ted by  many,  that  General  Lee's  conduct  at  the  battle  of  Mon- 
mouth was  intended  to  effect  this  plan:  for  could  the  odium  of 
the  defeat  have  been  at  this  time  thrown  on  General  Washing- 
ton, there  is  great  reason  to  suppose  that  he  would  have  been 
deprived  of  his  command. 

*  Thachci's  Military  Journal. 


200  CHARLES  LEE. 

It  is  now  to  be  seen  how  General  Lee  terminated  his  military 
career.  In  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  on  the  28th  of  June,  1 778, 
he  commanded  the  van  of  the  American  troops,  with  orders 
from  the  commander-in-chief  to  attack  the  retreating  enemy. 
Instead  of  obeying  this  order  he  conducted  in  an  unworthy  man- 
ner, and  greatly  disconcerted  the  arrangements  of  the  day. 
Washington,  advancing  to  the  field  of  battle,  met  him  in  his 
disorderly  retreat,  and  accosted  him  with  strong  expressions  of 
disapprobation.  Lee,  incapable  of  brooking  even  an.  implied 
indignity,  and  unable  to  restrain  the  warmth  of  his  resentment, 
used  improper  language  in  return,  and  some  irritation  was  exci- 
ted on  both  sides.  The  following  letters  immediately  after  pas- 
sed between  Lee  and  the  commander-in-chief. 

Camp,  English  Toivn,  1st  July,  1778. 

Sir — From  the  knowledge  that  I  have  of  your  Exccellency's 
character,  I  must  conclude  that  nothing  but  the  misinformation  of 
some  very  stupid,  or  misrepresentation  of  some  very  wicked 
person,  could  have  occasioned  your  making  use  of  such  very  sin- 
gular expressions  as  you  did,  on  my  coming  up  to  the  ground 
where  you  had  taken  post:  they  implied  that  I  was  guilty  either 
of  disobedience  of  orders,  want  of  conduct,  or  want  of  courage. 
Your  Excellency  will,  therefore,  infinitely  oblige  me,  by  letting 
me  know  on  which  of  these  three  articles  you  ground  your 
charge,  that  I  may  prepare  for  my  justification;  which  I  have 
the  happiness  to  be  confident  I  can  do,  to  the  army,  to  congress, 
to  America,  and  to  the  world  in  general.  Your  Excellency 
must  give  me  leave  to  observe,  that  neither  yourself,  nor  those 
about  your  person,  could,  from  your  situation,  be  in  the  least 
judges  of  the  merits  or  demerits  of  our  manoeuvres;  and,  to 
speak  with  a  becoming  pride,  I  can  assert  that  to  these  manoeu- 
vres the  success  of  the  day  was  entirely  owing.  I  can  boldly 
say,  that,  had  we  remained  on  the  first  ground — or  had  we  ad- 
vanced— or  had  the  retreat  been  conducted  in  a  manner  differ- 
ent from  what  it  was,  this  whole  army,  and  the  interests  of  Ame- 
rica, would  have  risked  being  sacrificed.  I  ever  had,  and,  I 
hope,  ever  shall  have,  the  greatest  respect  and  veneration  for 


CHARLES  LEE.  201 

General  Washington;  I  think  him  endowed  with  many  great 
and  good  qualities:  but  in  this  instance  I  must  pronounce,  that 
he  has  been  guilty  of  an  act  of  cruel  injustice  towards  a  n  an, 
who  had  certainly  some  pretensions  to  the  regard  of  every  ser- 
vant of  his  country;  and  I  think,  sir,  I  have  a  right  to  demand 
some  reparation  for  the  injury  committed;  and  unless  I  can  ob- 
tain it,  I  must  in  justice  to  myself,  when  the  campaign  is  closed, 
which  I  believe  will  close  the  war,  retire  from  a  service,  at  the 
head  of  which  is  placed  a  man  capable  of  offering  such  injuries; 
but  at  the  same  time,  in  justice  to  you,  I  must  repeat  that  I, 
from  my  soul,  believe  that  it  was  not.  a  motion  of  your  own 
breast,  but  instigated  by  some  of  those  dirty  earwigs,  who  will 
jforever  insinuate  themselves  near  persons  in  high  office;  for  I 
am  really  assured  that,  when  General  Washington  acts  from 
himself,  no  man  in  his  army  will  have  reason  to  complain  of  in- 
justice and  indecorum. 

I  am,  sir,  and  I  hope  ever  shall  have  reason  to  continue, 

Yours,  &c. 

CHARLES  LEE, 
His  Exc'y  Gen.  Washington. 

Head-Quarters,  English  7Wn,  28/A  June  1778. 
Sir — I  received  your  letter,  dated  through  mistake  the  1st  of 
July,  expressed,  as  I  conceive,  in  terms  highly  improper.  lam 
not  conscious  of  having  made  use  of  any  singular  expressions 
at  the  time  of  my  meeting  you,  as  you  intimate.  What  I  re- 
collect to  have  said  was  dictated  by  duty,  and  warranted  by 
the  occasion.  As  soon  as  circumstances  will  admit,  you  shall 
have  an  opportunity,  either  of  justifying  yourself  to  the  army, 
to  Congress,  to  America,  and  to  the  world  in  general,  or  of 
convincing  them  that  you  are  guilty  of  a  breach  of  orders,  and 
of  misbehaviour  before  the  enemy  on  the  28th  instant,  in  not 
attacking  them  as  you  had  been  directed,  and  in  making  an  un- 
necessary, disorderly,  and  shameful  retreat. 
I  am,  sir, 

your  most  obedient  servant, 

G.  WASHINGTON. 
96 


80S  CHARLES  LEE. 

A  court  martial,  of  which  Lord  Stirling  was  president,  wm 
ordered  for  his  trial,  and  after  a  masterly  defence  by  General 
Lv,£,  found  him  guilty  of  all  the  charges,  and  sentenced  him  to 
be  suspended  from  any  command  in  the  army  for  the  term  of 
twelve  months.  This  sentence  was  shortly  afterward  confirmed 
by  congress. 

When  promulgated,  it  was  like  a  mortal  wound  to  the  lofty, 
aspiring  spirit  of  General  Lee;  pointing  to  his  dog  he  exclaim- 
ed— "  Oh  that  I  was  that  animal,  that  I  might  not  call  man  my 
brother."  He  became  outrageous,  and  from  that  moment  he 
was  more  open  and  virulent  in  his  attack  on  the  character  of 
the  commander-in-chief,  and  did  not  cease  in  his  unwearied  en- 
deavors both  in  conversation  and  writings  to  lessen  his  reputa- 
tion in  the  army,  and  the  public.  He  was  an  active  abettor  of 
Gen.  Conway,  in  his  calumny  and  abuse  of  Gen.  Washington, 
and  they  were  believed  to  be  in  concert  in  their  vile  attempts  to 
supersede  his  Excellency  in  the  supreme  command.  With  the 
hope  of  effecting  his  nefarious  purpose,  he  published  a  pamphlet 
replete  with  scurrilous  imputations  unfavorable  to  the  military 
talents  of  the  commander-in-chief,  but  this,  with  his  other  ma- 
lignant allegations,  was  consigned  to  contempt. 

At  length  Col.  Laurens,  one'of  Gen.  Washington's  aids,  una* 
ble  longer  to  suffer  this  gross  abuse  of  his  illustrious  friend,  de- 
manded of  Lee  that  satisfaction  which  custom  has  sanctioned  as 
honorable.  A  rencounter  accordingly  ensued,  and  Lee  received 
a  wound  in  his  side. 

Lee  now  finding  himself  abandoned  by  his  friends,  degraded 
i-n  the  eye  of  the  public,  and  despised  by  the  wise  and  virtuous, 
retired  to  his  sequesteied  plantation  in  Virginia.  In  this  spot, 
secluded  from  all  society,  he  lived  in  a  sort  of  hovel  without  glass 
windows  or  plasteiing,or  even  a  decent  article  of  house  furniture, 
here  he  amused  himself  with  his  books  and  dogs.  On  January 
10th,  1780,  congress  resolved  that  major-general  Lee  be  inform- 
ed that  they  have  no  further  occasion  Tor  his  services  in  the  army 
of  the  United  States.  In  the  autumn  of  1782,  wrearied  with  his 
forlorn  situation,  and  broken  spirit,  he  resorted  to  Philadelphia, 
and  took  lodgings  in  an  ordinary  tavern.     He  was  soon  siczed 


CHARLES  LEE.  20& 

with  a  disease  of  the  lungs,  and  after  a  few  days'  confinement, 
he  terminated  his  mortal  course,  a  martyr  to  chagrin  and  disap- 
pointment, October  2d,  1782.  The  last  words  which  he  was 
heard  to  utter,  were, "stand  by  me,  my  brave  grenadiers." 

Gen.  Lee  was  rather  above  the  middle  size,  "plain  in  his  per- 
son, even  to  ugliness,  and  careless  in  his  manners  even  to  a  de- 
gree of  rudeness;  his  nose  was  so  remarkably  aquiline,  that  it 
appeared  as  a  real  deformity.  His  voice  was  rough,  his  garb 
ordinary,  his  deportment  morose.  He  was  ambitious  of  fame, 
without  the  dignity  to  support  it.  In  private  life  he  sunk  into 
the  vulgarity  of  the  clown."  His  remarkable  partiality  for 
dogs  was  such,  that  a  number  of  these  animals  constantly  fol- 
lowed in  his  train,  and  the  ladies  complained  that  he  allowed 
his  canine  adherents  to  follow  him  into  the  parlor,  and  not  unfre* 
quently  a  favorite  one  might  be  seen  on  a  chair  next  his  elbow 
at  table. 

In  the  year  1776,  when  our  army  lay  at  White  Plains,  Lee 
resided  near  the  road  which  Gen.  Washington  frequently  passed, 
and  he  one  day  with  his  aids  called  and  took  dinner:  after  they 
had  departed,  Lee  said  to  his  aids,  "you  must  look  me  out  other 
quarters,  or  I  shall  have  Washington  and  his  puppies  calling 
till  they  eat  me  up."  The  next  day  he  ordered  his  servant  to 
write  with  chalk  on  the  door,  "no  victuals  cooked  here  to-day." 
The  company,  seeing  the  hint  on  the  door,  passed  by  with  a 
smile  at  the  oddity  of  the  man.  "  The  character  of  this  person," 
says  one  who  knew  him  well,  "is  full  of  absurdities  and  quali- 
ties of  a  most  extraordinary  nature."* 

While  in  Philadelphia,  shortly  before  his  death,  the  following 
ludicrous  circumstance  took  place,  which  created  no  small  di- 
version. 

The  late  Judge  Brackcnridgc,  whose  poignancy  of  satire, 
and  excentricity  of  character,  was  nearly  a  match  for  that  of 
the  General,  had  dipped  his  pen  in  some  gall,  which  greatly  ir- 
ritated Lee's  feelings,  insomuch  that  he  challenged  him  to  sin- 
gle combat,  which  Brackenridge  declined  in  a  very  eccentric 
reply.     Lee,  having  furnished  himself  with  a  horsewhip,  deter* 

J—  ■    --     -       ■— ■ — ■ ■  —         --'      ■'        X  1      t ;  —  ■— 

*Thachcr's  Journal. 


304  CHARLES  LEE. 

mined  to  chastise  him  ignominiouidy  on  the  very  first  opportu- 
nity. Observing  Brackenridge  going  down  Market-street,  a  few- 
days  after,  he  gave  him  chase,  and  Brackenridge  took  refuge  in 
a  public  house,  and  barricaded  the  door  of  the  room  he  entered. 
A  number  of  persons  collected  to  see  the  result.  Lee  damr.ed 
him,  and  invited  him  to  come  out  and  fight  him  like  a  man. 
Brackenridge  replied  that  he  did  not  like  to  be  shot  at,  a;.d 
made  some  other  curious  observations,  which  only  increased 
Lee's  irritation, and  the  mirth  of  the  spec  ators.  Lee,  with  fhe 
most  bitter  imprecation,  ordered  him  to  come  out,  when  he  said 
he  would  horsewhip  him.  Brackenridge  replied,  that  he  had  no 
occasion  for  a  discipline  of  that  kind.  The  amusing  scene  last- 
ed some  time,  until  at  length,  Lee,  finding  that  he  could  accom- 
plish no  other  object  than  calling  forth  Brackenridge's  wit  for 
the  amusement  of  the  by-standers,  retired. 

Gen.  Lee  was  master  of  a  most  genteel  address, but  was  rude 
:in  his  manners,  and  excessively  negligent  in  his  appearance  and 
behaviour.  His  appetite  was  so  whimsical,  that  he  was  every 
where  a  most  troublesome  guest.  Two  or  three  dogs  usually 
followed  him  wherever  he  went.  As  an  ollicer  he  was  brave  and 
able,  and  did  much  towards  disciplining  the  American  army. 
With  vigorous  powers  of  mind,  and  a  brilliant  fancy,  he  was  a 
correct  and  elegant  classical  scholar,  and  he  both  wrote  and 
spoke  his  native  language  with  propriety,  force  and  beauty. 
His  temper  was  severe;  the  history  of  his  life  is  little  else  than 
the  history  of  disputes,  quarrels  and  duels,  in  every  part  of  the 
world.  He  was  vindictive,  avaricious,  immoral,  impious  and 
profane.  His  principles,  as  would  be  expected  from  his  charac- 
ter, were  most  abandoned,  and  he  ridiculed  every  tenet  of  reli- 
gion.  Two  virtues  he  possessed  to  an  eminent  degree,  sincerity 
and  veracity.  It  was  notorious  that  Gen.  Lee  was  a  man  of  un- 
bounded personal  ambition,  and,  conscious  of  his  European  ed- 
ucation, and  preeminent  military  talents  and  prowess,  he  aflect- 
ed  a  superiority  over  Gen.  Washington,  and  constantly  aimed 
at  the  supreme  command,  little  scrupulous  as  to  the  means  em» 
ployed  to  accomplish  his  own  advancement. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  Gen.  Lee's  will: 


HENRY  LEE.  -05 

5*1  desire  most  earnestly  that  I  may  not  be  buried  in  any 
church  or  church  yard,  or  within  a  mile  of  any  Presbyterian  or 
Anabaptist  Meeting  House,  for  since  I  have  resided  in  this  coun- 
try,! have  kept  so  much  bad  company  while  living,  that  I  do  not 
choose  to  continue  it  while  dead." 


HENRY    LEE, 

Colonel  in  the  American  Army. 

Colonel  Lee  was  by  birth  a  Virginian,  and  descended  from 
the  most  distinguished  branch  of  the  Lees  of  that  state.  He 
possessed  the  lofty  genius  of  his  family,  united  to  invincible 
courage  and  firmness,  and  all  the  noble  enthusiasm  of  the  war- 
rior. Gen.  Charles  Lee,  who  was,  beyond  question,  a  compe- 
tent judge  of  military  talent,  averred,  "that  Henry  Lee  came 
a  soldier  from  his  mother's  womb."  Gen.  Greene  pronounced 
him  The  Eye  of  the  southern  army,  and  to  his  councils  gave  the 
most  implicit,  constant,  and  unbounded  confidence.  In  the  hour 
of  difficulty,  was  danger  to  be  averted,  was  prompt  exertion  ne- 
cessary to  prevent  revolt,  crush  insurrection,  *u£  off  supplies, 
harass  the  enemy,  or  pursue  him  to  destruction,  to  no  one  did 
he  so  often  turn  as  to  Lee. 

But  his  ardor,  brillancy,and  daring  resolution,  constituted  but 
a  part  of  his  military  worth.  In  him  the  fierce  impetuosity  of 
youth  was  finely  blended  with  the  higher  and  more  temperate 
qualities  of  age.  If  he  had,  in  his  temperament,  something  of 
the  electrical  fire  of  Achilles,  it  was  ennobred  by  the  polished 
dignity  of  Hector,  and  repressed  and  moderated  by  the  wisdom 
of  Nestor. 

For  vigilance,  intelligence,  decision  of  character,  skill  in 
arms,  a  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  powers  of  combination,  he  had 
but  few  equals,  youthful  as  he  was,  in  the  armies  of  his  country. 

As  an  .officer  of  horse,  and  a  partisan  commander,  perhaps  he 
had  no  superior  upon  earth. 

That  he  was  justly  entitled  to  this  encomium,  appears,  as  well 
from  the  extensive  catalogue  of  his  exploits,  as  from  the  high 


30t)  FRANCIS  MARION. 

confidence  always  reposed  in  him  by  the  commanding  oflicGr 
under  whom  he  served.  This  is  true,  no  less  in  relation  to 
Washington  than  Greene.  He  was  the  intimate  friend  and  con- 
fidant of  both.  The  sentiments  of  the  latter,  with  regard  to 
him,  are  forcibly  expressed  in  the  following  extract  of  a  letter, 
dated  February  1 8th,  1782. 

"Lieutenant-colonel  Lee  retires,  for  a  time,  for  the  recovery 
of  his  health.  I  am  more  indebted  to  this  officer  than  to  any 
other,  for  the  advantages  gained  over  the  enemy,  in  the  opera- 
tions of  the  last  campaign;  and  I  should  be  wanting  in  gratitude, 
not  to  acknowledge  the  importance  of  his  services,  a  detail  of 
which  is  his  best  panegyric."* 


FRANCIS   MARION, 

Colonel  in  the  American  Ami}. 

Francis  Marion,  colonel  in  the  regular  service,  and  brigadier 
•general  in  the  militia  of  South  Carolina,  was  born  in  the  vicinity 
of  Georgetown,  in  the  year  1733. 

To  portray  the  meteor-like  course  of  hardihood  and  exploit 
traced  by  Gen.  Marion  and  his  heroic  followers  would  constitute 
a  picture,  rich  in  admiration  and  delight  to  the  lovers  of  bravery 
and  romantic  adventure.  Never  wras  an  officer  better  suited  to 
the  times  in  which  he  lived,  and  the  situation  in  which  it  was  his 
fortune  to  act.  For  stratagems,  unlooked-for  enterprises  against 
the  enemy,  and  devices  for  concealing  his  own  position  and 
movements,  he  had  no  rival.  Never,  in  a  single  instance,  was 
he  overtaken  in  his  course,  or  discovered  in  his  hiding-place. 
Even  some  of  his  own  party,  anxious  for  his  safety  and  well 
acquainted  with  many  of  the  places  of  his  retreat,  have  sought 
for  him  whole  days  in  his  immediate  neighborhood  without  find- 
ing him.  Suddenly  and  unexpectedly,  in  some  distant  point  he 
would  again  appear,  pouncing  upon  his  enemy  like  the  eagle* 

'Life  of  Greene 


FRANCIS  MARION.  207 

upon  his  prey.  These  high  and  rare  qualities  conducted  hira 
repeatedly  into  the  arms  of  victory,  when  the  force  he  encoun- 
tered was  tenfold  the  number  of  that  he  commanded. 

Young  Marion,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  entered  on  board  a  ves- 
sel bound  to  the  West  Indies,  with  a  determination  to  fit  himself 
for  a  seafaring  life.  On  his  outward  passage,  the  vessel  was 
upset  in  a  gale  of  wind,  when  the  crew  took  to  their  boat  with- 
out water  or  provisions,  it  being  impracticable  to  save  any  of 
either.  A  dog  jumped  into  the  boat  with  the  crew,  and  upon 
his  flesh,  eaten  raw,  did  the  survivors  of  these  unfortunate  men 
subsist  for  seven  or  eight  days;  in  which  period  several  died  of 
hunger. 

Among  the  few  who  escaped  was  young  Marion.  After  reach- 
ing land,  Marion  relinquished  his  original  plan  of  life,  and  en- 
gaged in  the  labors  of  agriculture.  In  this  occupation  he  con- 
tinued until  1759,  when  he  became  a  soldier,  and  was  appointed 
a  lieutenant  in  a  company  of  volunteers,  raised  for  an  expedi- 
tion against  the  Cherokee  Indians,  commanded  by  Captain  Wil- 
liam Moultrie,  (since  General  Moultrie.) 

As  soon  as  the  war  broke  out  between  the  colonies  and  the 
mother  country,  Marion  was  called  to  the  command  of  a  com- 
pany in  the  first  corps  raised  by  the  state  of  South  Carolina. 
He  was  soon  afterward  promoted  to  a  majority,  and  served  in 
that  rank  under  Colonel  Moultrie,  in  his  intrepid  defence  of 
Fort  Moultrie,  against  the  combined  attack  of  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton and  Sir  Peter  Parker,  on  the  2d  of  June,  1776.  He  was 
afterwards  placed  at  the  head  of  a  regiment,  as  lieutenant-colo- 
nel commandant,  in  which  capacity  he  served  during  the  siege 
of  Charleston ;  when,  having  fractured  his  leg  by  some  accident, 
he  became  incapable  of  military  duty,  and,  fortunately  for  his 
country,  escaped  the  captivity  to  which  the  garrison  was,  in  lliQ 
sequel,  forced  to  submit. 

When  Charleton  fell  into  the  enemy's  hands,  lieutenant-colo- 
nel Marion  abandoned  his  state,  and  took  shelter  in  North  Caro- 
lina. The  moment  he  recovered  from  the  fracture  of  his  leg,  he 
engaged  in  preparing  the  means  of  annoying  the  enemy,  then 
in  the  flood  tide  of  prosperity.     With  sixteen  men  only,  he  cros«- 


208  FRANCIS  MARION. 

scd  the  Santee,  and  commenced  that  daring  system  of  warfare 
which  so  much  annoyed  the  British  army. 

Colonel  Peter  Horry,  in  his  life  of  General  Marion,  gives  the 
following  interesting  incident:  "About  this  time  we  received  a 
flag  from  the  enemy  in  Georgetown,  South  Carolina,  the  object 
of  which  was  to  make  some  arrangements  about  the  exchange 
of  prisoners.  The  flag,  after  the  usual  ceremony  of  blindfold- 
ing, wns  conducted  into  Marion's  encampment.  Having  heard 
great  talk  about  Gen.  Marion,  his  fancy  had  naturally  enough 
sketched  out  for  him  some  stout  figure  of  a  warrior,  such  as 
O'Hara,  or  Cornwallis  himself,  of  martial  aspect  and  flaming 
regimentals.  But  what  was  his  surprise,  when  led  into  Mari- 
on's presence,  and  the  bandage  taken  from  his  eyes,  he  beheld 
in  our  hero  a  swarthy,  smoke  dried  little  man,  with  scarcely 
enough  of  thread-bare  homespun  to  cover  his  nakedness!  and 
instead  of  tall  ranks  of  gay-dressed  soldiers,  a  handful  of  sun- 
burnt, yellow-legged  militia-men;  some  roasting  potatoes,  and 
some  asleep,  with  their  black  firelocks  and  powder-horns  lying 
by  them  on  the  logs.  Having  recovered  a  little  from  his  sur- 
prise, he  presented  his  letter  to  Gen.  Marion,  who  perused  it 
and  soon  settled  every  thing  to  his  satisfaction. 

The  officer  took  up  his  hat  to  retire. 

"  Oh  no! "  said  Marion,  u  it  is  now  about  our  time  of  dining; 
and  I  hope  sir,  you  will  give  us  the  pleasure  of  your  company 
to  dinner. 

At  the  mention  of  the  word  dinner,  the  British  officer  looked 
around  him,  but  to  his  great  mortification,  could  see  no  sign  of  a. 
pot,  pan,  Dutch-oven,  or  any  other  cooking  utensil  that  could 
raise  the  spirits  of  a  hungry  man. 

"Well,  Tom,"  said  the  General  to  one  of  his  men,  "come, 
give  us  our  dinner." 

The  dinner  to  which  he  alluded,  Mas  no  other  than  a  heap  of 
sweet  potatoes,  that  were  very  snugly  roasting  under  the  em- 
bers, and  which  Tom,  with  his  pine  stick  poker,  soon  liberated 
from  their  ashy  confinement;  pinching  them  every  now  and  then 
with  his  fingers,  especially  the  big  ones,  to  see  whether  they 
were  well  done  or  not.     Then,  having  cleansed  them  of  the 


FRANCIS  MARION.  &0i> 

ashes,  partly  by  blowing  them  with  his  breath,  and  partly  by 
brushing  them  with  the  sleeve  of  his  old  cotton  shirt,  he  piled 
some  of  the  best  on  a  large  piece  of  bark,  and  placed  them  be- 
tween the  British  officer  and  Marion,  on  the  trunk  of  the  fallen 
pine  on  which  they  sat. 

"I  fear,  sir,"  said  the  General,  "our  dinner  will  not  prove  so 
palatable  to  you  as  I  could  wish;  but  it  is  the  best  we  have." 

The  officer,  who  was  a  well-bred  man,  took  up  one  of  the 
potatoes,  and  affected  to  feed,  as  if  he  had  found  a  great  dainty-; 
but  it  was  very  plain  that  he  ate  more  from  good  manners  than 
good  appetite. 

Presently  he  broke  out  into  a  hearty  laugh.  Marion  looked 
surprised.  "  I  beg  pardon,  General,"  said  he,  "but  one  cannot 
you  know,  always  command  one's  conceits.  I  was  thinking  how 
drolly  some  of  my  brother  officers  would  look,  if  our  govern- 
ment were  to  give  them  such  a  bill  of  fare  as  this." 

"  I  suppose,"  replied  Marion,  "  it  is  not  equal  to  their  style 
of  dining." 

"No,  indeed,"  quoth  the  officer,  "and  this,  I  imagine,  is  one 
of  your  accidental  Lent  dinners:  a  sort  of  ban-yan.  In  gene- 
ral, no  doubt,  you  live  a  great  deal  better." 

"Rather  worse,"  answered  the  general,  "for  often  we  don't 
get  enough  of  this." 

"Heavens!"  rejoined  the  officer,  "but  probably  what  you 
lose  in  meal  you  make  up  in  malt,  though  stinted  in  provisions, 
you  draw  noble  pay." 

"Not  a  cent,  sir"  said  Marion,  "not  a  cent." 

"  Heavens  and  earth !  then  you  must  be  in  a  bad  box.  I 
don't  see,  General,  how  you  can  stand  it." 

"  Why,  sir,"  replied  Marion,  with  a.  smile  of  self-approbation, 
"  these  things  depend  on  feeling." 

The  Englishman  said, "  he  did  not  believe  it  would  be  an  easy 
matter  to  reconcile  his  feelings  to  a  soldier's  life  on  Gen.  Marion's 
terms :  all  fighting,  no  pay,  and  no  provisions  but  potatoes." 

"  Why,  sir,"  answered  the  General,  "  the  heqrt  is  all;  and 
when  that  is  once  interested,  a  man  can  do  any  thing.  Many  a 
27 


210  FRANCIS  MARION. 

youfh  would  think  it  hard  to  indent  himself  a  slave  for  fourteen 
years.  But  let  him  be  over  head  and  ears  in  love,  and  with 
such  a  beauteous  sweetheart  as  Rachael,  and  he  will  think  no 
more  of  fourteen  years'  servitude  than  young  Jacob  did. 
Well,  now  this  is  exactly  my  case.  I  am  in  love;  and  my 
sweetheart  is  liberty.  Be  that  heavenly  nymph  my  compan- 
ion, and  these  woods  shall  have  charms  beyond  London  and  Pa- 
ris in  slavery.  To  have  no  proud  monarch  driving  over  me 
with  his  gilt  coaches;  nor  his  host  of  excisemen  and  tax-gath- 
erers insulting  and  robbing;  but  to  be  my  own  master,  my  own 
prince  and  sovereign;  gloriously  preserving  my  natural  dig- 
nity, and  pursuing  my  true  happiness,  planting  my  vineyards, 
and  eating  their  luscious  fruit;  sowing  my  fields,  and  reaping 
the  golden  grain;  and  seeing  millions  of  brothers  all  around 
me,  equally  free  and  happy  as  myself: — this,  sir,  is  what  I  long 
for." 

The  officer  replied  that  both  as  a  man  and  a  Briton,  he  must 
subscribe  to  this  as  a  happy  state  of  things. 

" Happy ,"  quoth  Marion,  "yes  happy  indeed:  and  I  would 
rather  fight  for  such  blessings  for  my  country,  and  feed  on  roots, 
than  keep  aloof,  though  wallowing  in  all  the  luxuries  of  Solo- 
mon. For  now,  sir,  I  walk  the  soil  that  gave  me  birth,  and  ex- 
ult in  the  thought  that  I  am  not  unworthy  of  it.  I  look  upon 
these  venerable  trees  around  me,  and  feel  that  I  do  not  dis- 
honor them,  .  I  think  of  my  own  sacred  rights,  and  rejoice  that  I 
have  not  basely  deserted  them.  And  when  I  look  forward  to 
the  long,  long  ages  of  posterity,  I  glory  in  the  thought  that  I 
am  fighting  their  battles.  The  children  of  distant  generations 
may  never  hear  my  name;  but  still  it  gladdens  my  heart  to 
think  that  I  am  now  contending  for  their  freedom,  with  all  its 
countless  blessings." 

I  looked  at  Marion  as  he  uttered  these  sentiments,  and  fan- 
cied  I  felt  as  when  I  heard  the  last  words  of  the  brave  De 
Kalb.  The  Englishman  hung  his  honest  head,  and  looked 
I  thought,  as  if  he  had  seen  the  upbraiding  ghosts  of  his* 
illustrious  countrymen,  Sidney  and  Hampden. 


FRANCIS  MARION.  211 

On  his  return  to  Georgetown,  he  was  asked  by  Col.  Watson 
why  he  looked  so  serious? 

"  I  have  cause,  sir,"  said  he,  "  to  look  so  serious.'1 

"What!  has  Gen.  Marion  refused  to  treat?" 

"No,  sir." 

"  Well  then,  has  old  Washington  defeated  Sir  Henry  Clinton, 
and  broke  up  our  army?" 

"No,  sir,  not  that  neither;  but  worse." 

"Ah!  what  can  be  worse?" 

"  Why,  sir,  I  have  seen  an  American  general  and  his  officers, 
without  pay,  and  almost  without  clothes,  living  on  roots,  and  drink- 
ing water;  and  all  for  Liberty  ! !  What  chance  have  we  against 
such  men?" 

It  is  said  Col.  Watson  was  not  much  obliged  to  him  for  this 
speech.  But  the  young  officer  was  so  struck  with  Marion's  sen- 
timents, that  he  never  rested  until  he  threw  up  his  commission, 
and  retired  from  the  service."  * 

"Gen.  Marion,  whose  stature  was  diminutive,  and  his  person 
uncommonly  light,  rode,  when  in  service,  one  of  the  fleetest  and 
most  powerful  chargers  the  south  could  produce.  When  in 
fair  pursuit,  nothing  could  escape  him,  and  when  retreating, 
nothing  could  overtake  him. 

Being  once  nearly  surrounded  by  a  party  of  British  dragoons, 
he  was  compelled  for  safety,  to  pass  into  a  corn-field,  by  leaping 
the  fence.  This  field  marked  with  a  considerable  descent  of 
surface,  had  been  in  part  a  marsh.  Marion  entered  it  at  the 
upper  side.  The  dragoons  in  chase  leapt  the  fence  also,  and 
were  but  a  short  distance  behind  him.  So  completely  was  he 
now  in  their  power,  that  his  only  mode  of  escape  was  to  pass 
over  the  fence  on  the  lower  side.  But  here  lay  a  difficulty 
which  to  all  but  himself  appeared  insurmountable. 

To  drain  the  ground  of  its  superfluous  waters,  a  trench  had 
been  cut  around  this  part  of  the  field,  four  feet  wide  and  of  the 
same  depth.  Of  the  mud  and  clay  removed  in  cutting  it,  a 
bank  had  been  formed  on  its  inner  side,  and  on  the  top  of  this 
was  erected  the  fence.     The  elevation  of  the  whole  amounted 

*  Aoier.  Biographical  Dictionary. 


^  HUGH  MERCER. 

to  more  than  seven  feet  perpendicular  height;  a  ditch  four  feet 
in  width  running  parallel  with  it  on  the  outside,  and  a  foot  or 
more  of  space  intervening  between  the  fence  and  the  ditch. 

The  dragoons,  acquainted  with  the  nature  and  extent  of  this 
obstacle,  and  considering  it  impossible  for  their  enemy  to  pass  it, 
pressed  towards  him  with  loud  shouts  of  exultation  and  insult, 
and  summoned  him  to  surrender  or  perish  by  the  sword.  Re- 
gardless of  their  rudeness  and  empty  clamor,  and  inflexibly 
determined  not  to  become  their  prisoner,  Marion  spurred  his 
horse  to  the  charge.  The  noble  animal,  as  if  conscious  that 
his  master's  life  was  in  danger,  and  that  on  his  exertion  depended 
his  safety,  approached  the  barrier  in  his  finest  style,  and  with  a 
bound  that  was  almost  supernatural,  cleared  the  fence  and  the 
ditch,  and  recovered  himself  without  injury  on  the  opposite  side. 

Marion  now  facing  his  pursuers,  who  had  halted  at  the  fence 
unable  to  pass  it,  discharged  his  pistols  at  them  without  effect, 
and  then  wheeling  his  horse,  and  bidding  them  "  good  mor- 
ning,'' with  an  air  of  triumph,  dashed  into  an  adjoining  thicket, 
and  disappeared  in  an  instant. 

Gen.  Marion  was  a  native  of  South  Carolina;  and  the  imme- 
diate theatre  of  his  exploits,  was  a  large  section  of  the  mari- 
time district  of  that  state,  around  Georgetown.  The  peculiar 
hardihood  of  his  constitution,  and  its  being  accommodated  to  a 
warm  climate  and  a  low  marshy  country,  qualified  him  to  endure 
hardships  and  submit  to  exposures,  which,  in  that  sickly  region, 
few  other  men  would  have  been  competent  to  sustain.  He  con- 
tinued his  undivided  efforts  until  the  close  of  the  war,  and  lived 
to  see  the  United  States  enrolled  among  the  free  and  indepen- 
dent nations  of  the  earth. 


HUGH    MERCER, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army. 

Gen.  Mercer  was  a  Scotchman  by  birth,  but  at  an  early  age 
emigrated  to  Virginia,  where  he  continued  to  reside,  and  became 
a  practising  physician. 


HUGH  MERCEfi.  213 

Gen.  Wilkinson  relates  the  following  interesting  incidents  in 
his  life : — 

"He  served  in  the  campaign  of  1755,  with  Gen.  Braddock, 
and  was  wounded  through  the  shoulder  in  the  unfortunate 
action  near  Fort  Du  Quesne:  unable  to  retreat,  he  lay  down 
under  cover  of  a  large  fallen  tree,  and  in  the  pursuit,  an  Indian 
leaped  upon  his  covert  immediately  over  him,  and  after  looking 
about  a  few  seconds  for  the  direction  of  the  fugitives,  he  sprang 
off  without  observing  the  wounded  man  who  lay  at  his  feet. 
So  soon  as  the  Indians  had  killed  the  wounded,  scalped  the 
dead,  rifled  the  baggage,  and  cleared  the  field,  the  unfortunate 
Mercer,  finding  himself  exceedingly  faint  and  thirsty,  from  loss 
of  blo,od,  crawled  to  an  adjacent  brook,  and  after  drinking  plen- 
tifully, found  himself  so  ranr.h  refreshed,  that  he  was  able  to 
-walk,  and  commenced  his  return  by  the  road  the  army  had 
advanced;  but  being  without  subsistence,  and  more  than  a 
hundred  miles  from  any  Christian  settlement,  he  expected  to 
die  of  famine,  when  he  observed  a  rattlesnake  on  his  path, 
which  he  killed  and  contrived  to  skin,  and  throwing  it  over  his 
sound  shoulder,  he  subsisted  on  it  as  the  claims  of  nature  urged, 
until  he  reached  Fort  Cumberland,  on  the  Potomac." 

Gen.  Mercer  at  the  commencement  of  the  revolution,  hear- 
tily engaged  in  the  cause  of  American  liberty.  *He  was  one 
of  those  gallant  spirits  who  adhered  to  the  American  cause  "in 
times  that  tried  men's  souls,"  and  bravely  supported  the  com- 
mander-in-chief in  his  disastrous  retreat  through  the  Jerseys. 

He  was  present  at  the  battle  of  Princeton,  where  he  greatly 
distinguished  himself,  and  was  mortally  wounded. 

"On  the  night  of  the  1st  of  January,  Gen.  Mercer,  Col.  C. 
Biddle,  and  Doctor  Cochran  spent  the  evening  with  General  St. 
Clair.  Fatigued  with  the  duties  of  the  day,  I  had  lain  down  in 
the  same  apartment,  and  my  attention  was  attracted  by  the  turn 
of  their  conversation,  on  the  recent  promotion  of  Captain  Wil- 
liam Washington,  from  a  regiment  of  infantry  to  a  majority  of 
cavalry.  General  Mercer  expressed  his  disapprobation  of  the 
measure ;  at  which  the  gentlemen  appeared  surprised,  as  it  was 
the  reward  of  acknowledged  gallantry:  and  Mercer,  in  expla- 


214  HUGH  MERCER 

nation  observed:  "We  are  not  engaged  in  a  war  of  ambition; 
if  it  had  been  so,  1  should  never  have  accepted  a  commission 
under  a  man  who  had  not  seen  a  day's  service,  (alluding  to  the 
great  orator,  and  distinguished  patriot,  Patrick  Henry;)  we 
serve  not  for  ourselves,  but  for  our  country,  and  every  man 
should  be  content  to  fill  the  place  in  which  he  can  be  most  use- 
ful. I  know  Washington  to  be  a  good  captain  of  infantry,  but 
I  know  not  what  sort  of  a  major  of  horse  he  may  make; 
and  I  have  seen  good  captains  make  indifferent  majors;  for  my 
own  part  my  views  in  this  contest  are  confined  to  a  single  object, 
that  is,  the  success  of  the  cause,  and  God  can  witness  how 
cheerfully  I  would  lay  down  my  life  to  secure  it." 

"In  Gen.  Mercer  we  lost  a  chief,  who  for  education,  experi- 
ence, talents,  disposition,  integrity  and  patriotism,  was  second 
to  no  man  but  the  commander-in-chief,  and  was  qualified  to  fill 
the  highest  trusts  of  the  country.  The  manner  in  which  he 
was  wounded,  is  an  evidence  of  the  excess  to  which  the  com- 
mon soldierv  are  liable  in  the  heat  of  action,  particularly  when 
irritated  by  the  loss  of  favorite  officers.  Being  obstructed 
when  advancing  by  a  post  and  rail  fence  in  front  of  the  orchard, 
it  may  be  presumed  the  general  dismounted  voluntarily,  for  he 
was  on  foot  when  the  troops  gave  way;  in  exerting  himself 
to  rally  them  he  was  thrown  into  the  rear,  and  perceiving 
he  could  not  escape,  he  turned,  and  surrendered,  but  was 
instantly  knocked  down,  and  bayonetted  thirteen  times,  when 
feigning  to  be  dead,  one  of  his  murderers  exclaimed,.  "Damn 
him,  he  is  dead,  let  us  leave  him."  After  the  retreat  of  the 
enemy,  he  was  conveyed  to  the  house  of  Thomas  Clark,  to 
whom  he  gave  this  account,  and  languished  until  the  12th, 
when  he  expired."* 

*  Wilkinson's  Memoirs. 


(215; 


DANIEL    MORGAN, 

Brigadier-general  in  the  American  Army. 

General  Morgan  was  the  creator  of  his  own  fortune.  Bora 
of  poor,  though  honest  parents,  he  enjoyed  none  of  the  advan- 
tages which  result  from  wealth  and  early  education.  But  his 
was  a  spirit  that  would  not  tamely  yield  to  difficulties. 

"He  was  born  in  New  Jersey,  where,  from  his  poverty  and 
low  condition,  he  had  been  a  day-laborer.  To  early  education 
and  breeding,  therefore,  he  owed  nothing.  But  for  this  deficien- 
cy, his  native  sagacity,  and  sound  judgment,  and  his  intercourse 
with  the  best  society,  made  much  amends  in  afterlife. 

Enterprising  in  his  disposition,  even  now  he  removed  to  Vir- 
ginia, in  1755,  with  a  hope  and  expectation  of  improving  his 
fortune.     Here  he  continued,  at  first,  bis  original  business  of 
day-labor;  but  exchanged  it,  afterward,  for  the  employment  of 
a  wagoner. 

.  His  military  novitiate  he  served  in  the  campaign  under  the 
unfortunate  Braddock.  The  rank  he  bore  is  not  precisely 
known.  It  must,  however,  have  been,  humble;  for,  in  conse- 
quence of  imputed  contumely  towards  a  British  officer,  he  was 
brought  to  the  halbert,  and  received  the  inhuman  punishment  of 
five  hundred  lashes;  or,  according  to  his  own  statement,  of  four 
hundred  and  ninety  nine ;  for  he  always  asserted  that  the  drum- 
mer, charged  with  the  execution  of  the  sentence,  miscounted, 
and  jocularly  added,  "that  George  the  Third  was  still  indebted 
to  him  one  lash."  To  the  honor  of  Morgan,  he  never  practical- 
ly remembered  this  savage  treatment  during  the  revolutionary 
war.  Towards  the  British  officers,  whom  the  fortune  of  battle 
placed  within  his  power,  his  conduct  was  humane,  mild  and 
gentlemanly. 

After  his  return  from  this  campaign,  so  inordinately  was  he 
addicted  to  quarrels  and  boxing  matches,  that  the  village  of 
Berrystown,  in  the  county  of  Frederick,  which  constituted  the 
chief  theatre  of  his  pugilistic  exploits,  received,  from  this  cir 
cumstance,  the  name  of  Battletown. 


216  DANIEL  MORGAN". 

In  these  combats,  although  frequently  overmatched  in  per- 
sonal strength,  he  manifested  the  same  unyielding  spirit  which 
characterised  him  afterward,  in  his  military  career.  When 
worsted  by  his  antagonist,  he  would  pause,  for  a  time,  to  re- 
cruit his  strength;  and  then  return  to  the  contest,  again  and 
■again,  until  he  rarely  failed  to  prove  victorious. 

Equally  marked  was  his  invincibility  of  spirit  in  maturer  age, 
when  raised,  by  fortune  and  his  own  merit,  to  a  higher  and 
more  honorable  field  of  action.  Defeat  in  battle  he  rarely  ex- 
perienced; but  when  he  did,  his  retreat  was  sullen,  stern  and 
dangerous. 

The  commencement  of  the  American  revolution,  found  Mr. 
Morgan  married  and  cultivating  a  farm,  which,  by  industry  and 
economy  he  had  been  enabled  to  purchase,  in  the  county  of 
Frederick. 

Placed  at  the  head  of  a  rifle  company,  raised  in  his  neighbor- 
hood, in  1775,  he  marched  immediately  to  the  American  head- 
quarters, in  Cambridge,  near  Boston. 

By  order  of  the  commander-in-chief,  he  soon  afterward  join- 
ed in  the  expedition  against  Quebec; and  was  made  prisoner  in* 
the  attempt  on  that  fortress,  where  Arnold  was  wounded,  and 
Montgomery  fell. 

During  the  assault,  his  daring  valor  and  persevering  gallant- 
ry attracted  the  notice  and  admiration  of  the  enemy. 

The  assailing  column,  to  which  he  belonged,  was  led  by  Maj. 
Arnold.  When  that  officer  was  wounded,  and  carried  from  the 
ground,  Morgan  threw  himself  into  the  lead;  and,  rushing  for- 
ward, passed  the  first  and  second  barriers.  For  a  moment,  vic- 
tory appeared  certain.  But  the  fall  of  Montgomery  closing  the 
prospect,  the  assailants  were  repulsed,  and  the  enterprise  aban- 
doned. During  his  captivity,  Capt.  Morgan  was  treated  with 
great  kindness,  and  not  a  little  distinction.  He  was  repeated- 
ly visited  in  confinement  by  a  British  officer  of  rank,  who  at 
length  made  an  attempt  on  his  patriotism  and  virtue,  by  offer- 
ing him  the  commission  and  emoluments  of  colonel  in  the  Brit- 
ish army,  on  condition  that  he  would  desert  the  American  and 
join  the  roval  standards 


DANIEL  MORGAN.  217 

Morgan  rejected  the  proposal  with  scorn:  and  requested  the 
courtly  and  corrupt  negotiator  "never  again  to  insult  him  in  his 
misfortunes,  by  an  offer  which  plainly  implied  that  he  thought 
him  a  villain."  The  officer  withdrew,  and  did  not  again  recur 
to  the  subject. 

On  being  exchanged,  Morgan  immediately  rejoined  the  Amer- 
ican army,  and  received,  by  the  recommendation  of  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, the  command  of  a  regiment. 

In  the  year  1777,  he  was  placed  at  the  head  of  a  select  rifle 
corps,  with  which,  in  various  instances,  he  acted  on  the  enemy 
with  terrible  effect.  His  troops  were  considered  the  most  dan- 
gerous in  the  American  service.  To  confront  them,  in  the  field, 
was  almost  certain  death  to  the  British  officers. 

On  the  occasion  of  the  capture  of  Burgoyne,  the  exertions 
and  services  of  Col.  Morgan,  and  his  riflemen,  were  beyond  all 
praise.  Much  of  the  glory  of  the  achievement  belonged  to 
them.  Yet  so  gross  was  the  injustice  of  Gen.  Gates,  that  he 
did  not  even  mention  them  in  his  official  despatches.  His  rea- 
son for  this  was  secret  and  dishonorable.  Shortly  after  the  sur- 
render of  Burgoyne,  Gen.  Gates  took  occasion  to  hold  w^th  Mor- 
gan a  private  conversation.  In  the  course  of  this,  he  told  him 
confidentially,  that  the  main  army  was  exceedingly  dissatisfied 
with  the  conduct  of  Gen  Washington ;  that  the  reputation  of 
the  commander-in-chief  was  rapidly  declining;  and  that  sever- 
al officers  of  great  worth  threatened  to  resign  unless  a  change 
we're  produced  in  that  department. 

Colonel  Morgan,  fathoming  in  an  instant,  the  views  of  his 
commanding  officer,  sternly,  and  with  honest  indignation,  re- 
plied, "Sir,  I  have  one  favor  to  ask.  Never,  again,  mention  to 
me  this  hated  subject ;  under  no  other  man  but  Gen.  Washington, 
as  commander-in-chief,  will  I  ever  serve." 

From  that  moment  ceased  the  intimacy  that  had  previously 
subsisted  between  him  and  Gen.  Gates. 

A  few  days  afterward,  the  General  gave  a  dinner  to  the  prin- 
cipal officers  of  the  British,  and  some  of  those  of  the  American 
army.  Morgan  was  not  invited.  In  the  course  of  the  evening, 
that  officer  found  it  necessary  to  call  on  Gen.  Gates,  on  official 


218  DANIEL  MORGAN, 

business.  Being  introduced  into  the  dining  room,  he  spoke  to 
the  General,  received  his  orders,  and  immediately  withdrew, 
his  name  unannounced.  Perceiving,  from  his  dress,  that  he  was 
of  high  rank,  the  British  officers  inquired  his  name.  Being  told 
that  it  was  Col.  Morgan,  commanding  the  rifle  corps,  they  rose 
from  the  table,  followed  him  into  the  yard,  and  introduced  them- 
selves to  him,  with  many  complimentary  and  flattering  expres- 
sions, declaring  that,  on  the  day  of  action,  they  had  very  se^ 
verely  felt  him  in  the  field. 

In  1780,  having  obtained  leave  of  absence  from  the  army, 
on  account  of  the  shattered  condition  of  his  health,  he  retired 
to  his  estate,  in  the  county  of  Frederick;  and  remained  there 
until  the  appointment  of  Gen.  Gates  to  the  command  of  the 
southern  army. 

Being  waited  on  by  the  latter,  and  requested  to  accompany 
him,  he  reminded  him,  in  expressions  marked  by  resentment,  of 
the  unworthy  treatment  he  had  formerly  experienced  from  him, 
in  return  for  the  important  services,  which  he  did  not  hesitate 
to  assert,  he  had  rendered  him  in  his  operations  against  the  ar- 
my of  Gen.  Burgoyne. 

Having  received  no  acknowledgment,  nor  even  civility,  for 
•aiding  to  decorate  him  with  laurels  in  the  north,  he  frankly  de- 
clared, that  there  were  no  considerations,  except  of  a  public- 
nature,  that  could  induce  him  to  co-operate  in  his  campaigns  to 
the  south.  "Motives  of  public  good  might  influence  him;  be- 
cause his  country  had  a  claim  on  him,  in  any  quarter,  where  he 
could  promote  her  interest ;  but  personal  attachment  must  not  be 
expected  to  exist,  where  he  had  experienced  nothing  but  neglect 
and  injustice." 

The  two  officers  parted,  mutually  dissatisfied:  the  one  on  ac- 
count of  past  treatment,  the  other  of  the  recent  interview. 

In  the  course  of  a  (ew  weeks  afterward,  congress  having  pro- 
moted Col.  Morgan  to  the  rank  of  brigadier-general,  by  brevet, 
with  a  view  to  avail  themselves  of  his  services  in  the  south,  he 
proceeded  without  delay  to  join  the  army  of  Gen.  Gates.  But 
he  was  prevented  from  serving  any  length  of  time  under  that 
officer,  by  his  defeat  near  Camden,  before  his  arrival;  and  his 


DANIEt  MORGAN.  2l^" 

being  soon  afteward  superceded  in  command  by  Gen.  Greene.* 
Soon  after  taking  command  of  the  southern  army,  General 
Greene  despatched  Gen.  Morgan  with  four  hundred  continent 
tals,  under  Col.  Howard,  Col.  Washington's  corps  of  dragoons, 
and  a  few  militia,  amounting  in  all  to  about  six  hundred,  to  take 
position  on  the  left  of  the  British  army,  then  lying  at  Winnsbo- 
rough,  under  Lord  Cornwallis,  while  he  took  post  about  seven- 
ty miles  to  his  right.  This  judicious  disposition  excited  his 
Lordship's  apprehensions  for  the  safety  of  Ninety-six,  and  Au- 
gusta, British  posts,  which  he  considered  as  menaced  by  the. 
movements  of  Morgan. 

Col.  Tarleton,  with  a  strong  detachment,  amounting  in  horse 
and  foot  to  near  a  thousand  men,  was  immediately  despatched  by 
Cornwallis  to  the  protection  of  Ninety-Six,  with  orders  to  bring 
Gen.  Morgan,  if  possible,  to  battle.  To  the  ardent  temper  and 
chivalrous  disposition  of  the  British  colonel,  this  direction  was 
perfectly  congenial.  Greatly  superior  in  numbers,  he  advanced 
on  Morgan  with  a  menacing  aspect,  and  compelled  him,  at  first, 
to  fall  back  rapidly.  But  the  retreat  of  the  American  com- 
mander was  not  long  continued.  Irritated  by  pursuit,  reinforced 
by  a  body  of  militia,  and  reposing  great  confidence  in  the  spirit 
and  firmness  of  his  regular  troops,  he  halted  at  the  Cowpens,  and 
determined  to  gratify  his  adversary,  in  his  eagerness  for  combat. 
This  was  on  the  night  of  the  sixteenth  of  January,  1781.  Early 
in  the  morning  of  the  succeeding  day,  Tarleton  being  apprised 
of  the  situation  of  Morgan,  pressed  towards  him  with  a  re- 
doubled rapidity,  lest,  by  renewing  his  retreat,  he  should  again 
elude  him. 

But  Morgan  now  had  other  thoughts  than  those  of  flight. 
Already  had  he,  for  several  days,  been  at  war  with  himself  in 
relation  to  his  conduct.  Glorying  in  action,  his  spirit  recoiled 
from  the  humiliation  of  retreat,  and  his  resentment  was  roused 
by  th£  insolence  of  pursuit.  This  mental  conflict  becoming 
more  intolerable  to  him  than  disaster  or  death,  his  courage  tri- 
umphed perhaps  over  his  prudence,  and  he  resolved  on  putting 
every  thing  to  the  hazard  of  the  sword. 

*°  Life  of  Greene. 


920  DANIEL  MORGAN. 

By  military  men,  who  have  studied  the  subject,  his  disposition 
for  battle  is  said  to  have  been  masterly.  Two  light  parties  of 
militia  were  advanced  in  front,  with  orders  to  feel  the  enemy 
as  they  approached ;  and  preserving  a  desultory,  well-aimed  firej 
as  they  fell  back  to  the  front  line,  to  range  with  it.  and  renew 
the  conflict.  The  main  bod)  of  the  militia  composed  this  line, 
with  Gen.  Pickens  at  its  head.  At  a  suitable  distance  in  the 
rear  of  the  first  line,  a  second  was  stationed  composed  of  the 
continental  infantry,  and  two  companies  of  Virginia  militia, 
commanded  by  Col.  Howard.  Washington's  cavalry,  rei  nforced 
with  a  company  of  mounted  militia,  armed  with  sabres,  was  held 
in  reserve. 

Posting  himself,  then,  in  the  line  of  the  regulars,  he  waited 
in  silence  the  advance  of  the  enemy. 

Tarleton  coming  in  sight,  hastily  formed  his  disposition  for 
battle,  and  commenced  the  assault.  Of  this  conflict,  the  fol- 
lowing picture  is  from  the  pen  of  Gen.  Lee: — 

"The  American  light  parties  quickly  yielded,  fell  back,  and 
arrayed  with  Pickens.  The  enemy  shouting,  rushed  forward 
upon  the  front  line,  which  retained  its  station,  and  poured  in  a 
close  fire;  but  continuing  to  advance  with  the  bayonet  on  our 
militia,  they  retired,  and  gained,  with  haste,  the  second  line. 
Here,  with  part  of  the  corps,  Pickens  took  post  on  Howard's 
right,  and  the  rest  fled  to  their  horses,  probably  with  orders  to 
remove  them  to  a  further  distance.  Tarleton  pushed  forward, 
and  was  received  by  his  adversary  with  unshaken  firmness. 
The  contest  became  obstinate;  and  each  party,  animated  by 
the  example  of  its  leader,  nobly  contended  for  victory.  Our 
line  maintained  itself  so  firmly,  as  to  oblige  the  enemy  to  order 
up  his  reserve.  The  advance  of  M'Arthur  reanimated  the 
British  line,  which  again  moved  forward,  and,  outstretching 
our  front,  endangered  Colonel  Howard's  right.  This  officer 
instantly  took  measures  to  defend  his  flank,  by  directing  bis 
right  company  to  change  its  front;  but,  mistaking  this  6rder, 
the  company  fell  back ;  upon  which  the  line  began  to  retire,  and 
General  Morgan  directed  it  to  retijeat  to  the  cavalry.  This 
manoeuvre  being  performed  with  precision,  our  flank  became 


&*.''',i 


DANIEL  MORGAN.  221 

relieved,  and  the  new  position  was  assumed  with  promptitude. 
Considering  this  retrogade  movement  the  precursor  of  flight, 
the  British  line  rushed  on  with  impetuosity  and  disorder;  but  as 
it  drew  near,  Howard  faced  about,  and  gave  it  a  close  and  mur- 
derous fire.  Stunned  by  this  unexpected  shock,  the  most 
advanced  of  the  enemy  recoiled  in  confusion.  Howard  seized 
the  happy  moment,  and  followed  his  advantage  with  the  bayo- 
net. This  decisive  step  gave  us  the  day.  The  reserve  having 
been  brought  near  the  line,  shared  in  the  destruction  of  our  fire, 
and  presented  no  rallying  point  to  the  fugitives.  A  part  of  the 
enemy's  cavalry,  having  gained  our  rear,  fell  on  that  portion  of 
the  militia  who  had  retired  to  their  horses.  Washington  struck 
at  them  with  his  dragoons,  and  drove  them  before  him.  Thus, 
by  a  simultaneous  effort,  the  infantry  and  cavalry  of  the  enemy 
were  routed.  Morgan  pressed  home  his  success,  and  the  pursuit 
became  vigorous  and  general." 

"In  this  decisive  battle  we  lost  about  seventy  men,  of  whom 
twelve  only  were  killed.  The  British  infantry,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  baggage  guard,  were  nearly  all  killed  or  taken. 
One  hundred,  including  ten  officers,  were  killed;  twenty-three 
officers  and  five  hundred  privates  were  taken.  The  artillery, 
eight  hundred  muskets,  two  standards,  thirty-five  baggage  wag- 
ons, and  one  hundred  dragoon  horses,  fell  into  our  possession." 

In  this  battle,  so  glorious  to  the  American  arms,  Tarleton  had 
every  advantage,  in  point  of  ground,  cavalry,  and  numbers, 
aided  by  two  pieces  of  artillery. 

Soon  after  this  brilliant  exploit,  frequent  attacks  of  rheuma- 
tism compelled  Gen.  Morgan  to  retire  from  the  army,  and  he 
returned  to  his  seat  in  Frederick,  Virginia,  where  he  continued 
in  retirement,  until  the  insurrection  in  the  western  part  of 
Pennsylvania,  in  1794,  when  he  was  detached  by  the  executive 
of  Virginia,  at  the  head  of  the  militia  quota  of  that  state,  to 
suppress  it.  This  done,  he  returned  into  the  bosom  of  hi? 
family,  where  he  remained  until  death  closed  his  earthly  career, 
in  1799. 

"  There  existed  in  the  character  of  Gen.  Morgan  a  singular 
contradiction,  which  is  worthy  of  notice. 


222  THOMAS  MIFFLIN. 

Although,  in  battle,  no  man  was  ever  more  prodigal  of  the 
exposure  of  his  person  to  danger,  or  manifested  a  more  delib- 
erate disregard  of  death,  yet,  so  strong  was  his  love  of  life,  at 
other  times,  that  he  has  been  frequently  heard  to  declare,  "  he 
would  agree  to  pass  half  his  lime  as  a  galley-slave,  rather  than 
quit  this  world  for  another." 

•  The  following  outline  of  his  person  and  character,  is  from  the 
pen  of  a  military  friend,  who  knew  him  intimately. 

"Brigadier-General  Morgan  was  stout  and  active,  six  feet  in 
height,  strong,  not  too  much  encumbered  with  flesh,  and  was 
exactly  fitted  for  the  toils  and  pomp  of  war.  His  mind  was 
discriminating  and  solid,  but  not  comprehensive  and  combining. 
His  manners  plain  and  decorous,  neither  insinuating  nor  repul- 
sive. His  conversation  grave,  sententious,  and  considerate, 
unadorned,  and  uncaptivating.  He  reflected  deeply,  spoke 
little,  and  executed,  with  keen  perseverance,  whatever  he 
undertook.  He  was  indulgent  in  his  military  command,  prefer- 
ring always  the  affections  of  his  troops,  to  that  dread  and  awe 
which  surround  the  rigid  disciplinarian." 

A  considerable  time  before  his  death,  when  the  pressure  of 
infirmity  began  to  be  heavy,  he  became  seriously  concerned 
about  his  future  welfare.  From  that  period,  his  chief  solace 
lay  in  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and  in  devotional  exercises. 
He  died  in  the  belief  of  the  truths  of  Christianity,  and  in  fuR 
communion  with  the  Presbyterian  Church."  * 


* 


THOMAS    MIFFLIN, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army. 

-"Thomas  Mifflin,  a  major-general  in  the  American  army 
during  the  revolutionary  war,  and  governor  of  Pennsylvania, 
was  born  in  the  year  1744,  of  parents  who  were  Quakers.  His 
education  was  intrusted  to  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  with 
whom  he  was  connected  in  habits  of  cordial  intimacy  and  friend- 

*  Life  of  Greene. 


THOMAS  MIFFLIN.  223 

ship,  for  more  than  forty  years.  Active  and  zealous,  he  enga- 
ged early  in  opposition  to  the  measures  of  the  British  parlia- 
ment. He  was  a  member  of  the  first  congress  in  1774.  He 
took  arms,  and  was  among  the  first  officers  commissioned  on  the 
organization  of  the  continental  army,  being  appointed  quarter- 
master-general in  August,  1765.  For  this  offence  he  was  read 
out  of  the  society  of  Quakers.  In  1777,  he  was  very  useful 
in  animating  the  militia,  and  enkindling  the  spirit,  which  seemed 
to  have  been  damped.  His  sanguine  disposition  and  his  ac- 
tivity, rendered  him  insensible  to  the  value  of  that  coolness  and 
caution,  which  were  essential  to  the  preservation  of  such  an 
army,  as  was  then  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Washington* 
In  1787,  he  was  a  member  of  the  convention,  which  framed  the 
constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  his  name  is  affixed  to  that 
instrument.  In  October,  1788,  he  succeeded  Franklin  as  presi- 
dent of  the  supreme  executive  council  of  Pennsylvania,  in 
which  station  he  continued  till  October  1790.  In  September  a 
constitution  for  this  6tate  was  formed  by  a  convention,  in  which 
he  presided,  and  he  was  chosen  the  first  governor.  In  1794, 
during  the  insurrection  in  Pennsylvania,  he  employed,  to  the 
advantage  of  his  country,  the  extraordinary  powers  of  elocu- 
tion,  with  which  he  was  endowed.  The  imperfection  of  the 
militia  laws  was  compensated  by  his  eloquence.  He  made  a 
circuit  through  the  lower  counties,  and,  at  different  places, 
publicly  addressed  the  militia  on  the  crisis  in  the  affairs  of  their 
country,  and  through  his  animating  exhortations,  the  state  fur- 
nished the  quota  required.  He  was  succeeded  in  the  office  of 
governor  by  Mr.  IVTKean,  at  the  close  of  the  year  1799,  and  he 
died  at  Lancaster,  January  20,  1800,  in  the  57th  year  of  his 
age.  He  was  an  active  and  zealous  patriot,  who  had  devoted 
much  of  his  life  to  the  public  service."* 

*  Amcr.  Biog.  Dictionary. 


(224) 


RICHARD  MONTGOMERY, 

Major-Gcneral  in  the  American  Array* 

Gen.  Montgomery,  whose  premature  death  under  the  walls 
of  Quebec,  robbed  the  American  army  of  one  of  its  brightest 
ornaments,  was  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland,  in  the  year  1737. 

He  possessed  an  excellent  genius,  which  was  matured  by  a 
fine  education.  Entering  the  army  of  Great  Britain,  he  success- 
fully fought  her  battles  with  Wolfe,  at  Quebec,  in  1759,  and  on 
the  very  spot  where  he  was  doomed  to  fall,  when  fighting  against 
her,  URder  the  banners  of  freedom.  After  his  return  to  Eng- 
land, he  quitted  his  regiment  in  1772,  though  in  a  fair  way  to 
preferment. 

He  had  imbibed  a  strong  attachment  to  America,  and  view- 
ing it  as  the  rising  seat  of  science  and  freedom,'  resolved  upon 
transferring  to  her  his  allegiance.  After  his  arrival  in  this 
country,  he  purchased  an  estate  in  New- York,  about  one  hun- 
dred miles  from  the  city,  and  married  a  daughter  of  Judge 
Livingston.     He  now  considered  himself  as  an  American. 

Connected  with  one  of  the  first  families  in  New- York,  happy 
in  the  highest  enjoyment  of  domestic  felicity,  he  was  led  by 
principle  to  cpjit  the  occupations  of  rural  life;  and  animated 
with  an  ardent  zeal  for  the  cause  of  human  nature,  the  liberties 
of  mankind  and  the  glory  of  America,  both  his  active  life,  and 
his  heroic  death,  verified  his  last  expression  to  his  amiable  lady — 
"  You  shall  never  blush  for  your  Montgomery." 

At  the  commencement  of  the  struggle  with  Great  Britain, 
the  command  of  the  continental  forces  in  the  northern  depart- 
ment was  intrusted  to  him  and  General  Schuyler,  in  the  fall  of 
1775. 

"While  the  British  army  was  cooped  up  in  Boston,  without 
the  power  of  much  annoyance  to  the  surrounding  country,  the 
congress  conceived  the  design  of  sending  a  force  into  Canada, 
for  the  purpose  of  putting  a  stop  to  the  preparations  which  it 


RICHARD  MONTGOMERY.  225 

was  known  that  Gen.  Carleton,  the  governor  of  that  province 
was  making,  for  aiding  his  majesty's  forces  on  this  side  of  the 
Lakes.  For  this  purpose,  Generals  Schuyler  and  Montgomery, 
with  two  regiments  of  New- York  militia,  and  a  body  of  New- 
Englandmen,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  about  two  thousand 
men  were  ordered  to  move  towards  Ticonderoga,  which  had 
remained  in  possession  of  the  Americans,  since  the  expedition 
of  Colonels  Arnold  and  Alien.  Gen.  Schuyler  being  detained 
at  Albany,  Montgomery  proceeded  alone  to  Crown  Point,  where 
he  received  intelligence  that  several  armed  vessels,  which  lay  at 
the  fort  of  St.  John's,  were  preparing  to  enter  the  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  for  the  purpose  of  impeding  the  passage  oC  his  troops. 
This  determined  him,  though  not  more  than  half  of  his  troops 
had  arrived,  to  cross  over  to  the  Isle  aux  JVoix,  at  the  entrance 
of  the  Sorel,  and  thus  blockade  the  vessels  which  lay  in 
that  river.  He  had  scarcely  succeeded  in  this  design,  before 
he  was  joined  by  Gen.  Schuyler;  and  it  was  determined,  after 
publishing  a  declaration  to  the  Canadians,  setting  forth  their 
friendly  intentions  toward  them,  to  proceed  immediately  against 
the  fort  of  St.  John's.  With  this  view,  they  proceeded  with 
their  battcaux  for  a  few  miles  down  the  Sorel,  and  landed  on 
a  swampy  ground,  through  which  with  great  difficulty  they 
marched  to  within  two  miles  of  the  fort.  Here  they  were  sud- 
denly attacked  by  a  party  of  Indians,  which,  after  a  smart  skir- 
mish, they  dispersed  with  a  trifling  loss,  and  continued  their 
march;  but  upon  coming  within  view  of  the  fort,  and  seeing  its 
strength,  Gen.  Schuyler,  whose  force  did  not  amount  to  a  thou- 
sand men,  thought  it  prudent  to  return  to  the  Isle  aux  Noix, 
without  attempting  its  reduction.  The  general,  being  then 
obliged  to  return  to  Albany,  to  settle  a  treaty  with  the  Indians,, 
left  the  command  solely  to  Montgomery;  and  never  was  there  a 
general  better  qualified  for  the  duties  which  now  devolved  upon 
him.  It  was  absolutely  necessary,  before  he  could  go  against 
Montreal,  that  the  fort  of  St.  John's  should  be  reduced.  It  was 
well  provided,  and  strongly  garrisoned. 

The  supply  of  ammunition  with  which  Gen.  Montgomery  was 
provided  was  much  too  small  to  render  an  immediate  siege  of 
29 


£#>  RICHARD  MONTGOMERY. 

St.  John's  prudent ;  and  he  would  probably  have  been  compelled 
to  remain  inactive  until  too  late  in  the  season  to  effect  his 
object,  but  for  the  information  of  some  Canadians,  that  the  little 
fortress  of  Chamblcc,  which  was  but  feebly  garrisoned,  contained 
a  good  store  of  that  article.  He  accordingly  made  himself 
master  of  that  place,  and,  to  his  great  satisfaction  found  one 
hundred  and  twenty  barrels  of  powder,  besides  a  large  quantity 
of  other  military  stores  and  provisions.  The  expedition  against 
this  fortress  was  conducted  by  Majors  Brown  and  Livingston. 
They  found  here  the  standard  of  the  7th  regiment,  which  was 
immediately  sent  to  the  congress. 

Gen.  Montgomery  being  thus  enabled  to  carry  on  the  siege 
of  St.  John's  proceeded  to  erect  his  works,  and  to  prepare  for  a 
general  assault.  Gen.  Carle  ton  in  the  mean  time,  hearing  of 
the  situation  of  St.  John's,  prepared  to  raise  a  force  for  its  relief. 
He  had  posted  Col.  M'Lean,  with  a  regiment  of  Scotch  emi- 
grants, at  the  mouth  of  the  Sorel;  and  having  raised  about  a 
thousand  men  at  Montreal,  he  attempted  to  cross  at  Longueil 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  junction,  and  marching  for  the 
relief  of  St.  John's.  But  Col.  Ward,  who  was  stationed  at 
Longueil,  with  three  hundied  Green  Mountain  Bojs,  and  a 
small  piece  of  artillery,  kept  up  so  warm  a  fire  upon  their  boats, 
that  the  general  was  glad  to  return  to  Montreal. 

When  the  news  of  this  repulse  reached  Montgomery,  he  sent 
a  flag  to  Major  Preston,  who  commanded  the  besieged  fortress, 
summoning  him  to  surrender;  as  all  hope  of  relief  was  cut  off 
by  Carleton's  repulse,  and  a  farther  resistance  could  only  lead 
to  an  useless  waste  of  lives.  Major  Preston  solicited  a  few 
days  to  consider  the  proposal,  being  still  impressed  with  the 
hope  that  Gen.  Carleton  might  be  able  to  come  to  his  assistance: 
but  upon  his  request  being  refused,  he  accepted  the  honorable 
terms  of  capitulation,  which  Gen.  Montgomery  offered  to  him, 
and  surrendered  his  garrison  prisoners  of  war.  The  British 
officers  spoke  highly  of  the  polite  regard  and  attention  shown 
to  them  by  Montgomery,  who  permitted  them  to  wear  their 
swords,  and  to  take  off  all  their  baggage  and  effects.  The  fort 
surrendered  on  the  3d  of  November."  * 

*  Allen's  Revolution. 


RICHARD  MONTGOMERY.  227 

On  the  12th  he  took  Montreal,  the  British  General  Carleton 
having  abandoned  the  town  to  its  fate,  and  made  his  escape 
down  the  river,  in  the  night,  in  a  small  canoe  with  muffled  oars. 
Montgomery  thus  obtained  possession  of  all  the  naval  force  of 
the  river,  consisting  of  eleven  armed  vessels. 

"Many  circumstances  combined  to  render  the  situation  of  Gen. 
Montgomery,  though  a  conqueror,  extremely  unpleasant.  The 
season  was  far  advanced,  and  the  severities  of*  the  climate  indu- 
ced many  of  his  men  to  desert — the  time  for  which  many  others 
were  enlisted  was  about  to  expire;  and  few  were  willing  to 
encounter  the  hardships  of  a  long  march  through  the  deep 
snows  of  December.  Nothing  but  personal  attachment  to  the 
noble  character  of  their  commander  could  have  kept  a  single 
regiment  together.  After  new  clothing  all  his  men  at  Montreal 
and  rendering  them  in  other  respects  as  comfortable  as  the 
magazines  there  would  admit  of;  and  having  taken  the  necessary 
measures  to  ensure  a  supply  of  provisions  on  the  march,  the 
general  pushed  on  through  every  difficulty,  and  joined  Arnold, 
who  had  marched  through  the  wilderness,  and  arrived  before 
Quebec  a  short  time  previous,  on  the  1st  of  December.  His 
appearance  was  a  source  of  great  joy  to  the  Colonel's  troops, 
as  he  had  not  forgotten  to  bring  with  him  a  store  of  such  supplies 
as  he  knew  them  to  want. 

Montgomery  lost  no  time  after  his  arrival  in  preparing  for  an 
immediate  attack.  The  whole  of  his  force  did  not  amount  to 
more  than  the  troops  of  the  garrison;  but  he  attempted  by 
assuming  an  appearance  of  greater  strength  to  weaken  the 
confidence  of  the  latter,  and  thereby  accomplish  his  object 
without  bloodshed.  For  this  purpose,  on  the  5th  of  December, 
he  addressed  a  letter  to  the  governor,  in  which  he  urged  him 
by  every  argument  calculated  to  produce  an  effect  upon  his 
humanity  or  his  fears,  to  spare  his  garrison  the  dreadful  conse- 
quences of  a  storm  by  an  immediate  surrender.  Gen.  Carleton, 
however,  was  too  old  a  soldier  to  Be  deceived  by  appearances — 
he  knew  the  difficulties  under  which  Montgomery  labored,  and 
was  convinced  that  if  his  garrison  could  hold  out  for  a  few  days, 
the  climate  would  compel  the  provincials  (o  abandon  the  siege; 


228  RICHARD  MONTGOMERY. 

Montgomery's  messenger  was  fired  at,  and  all  communication 

forbidden.  In  this  situation  Gen.  Montgomery  commenced  a 
bombardment  from  five  small  mortars,  which  he  kept  up  for 
several  days,  with  the  hope  of  throwing  the  garrison  into  con- 
fusion. But  it  seemed  to  produce  no  effect — a  battery  of  six 
guns  was  next  opened  upon  them  at  the  distance  of  seven  hun- 
dred yards,  with  no  better  success.  The  garrison  remained 
insensible  to  any  impressions  of  alarm. 

Gen.  Montgomery  now  found  himself  under  circumstances 
much  more  delicate  and  embarrassing,  than  those  which  had, 
sixteen  years  before,  environed  the  hero  Wolfe  at  the  same 
spot.  Several  feet  of  snow  covered  the  ground — his  troops  had 
undergone  every  hardship,  that  it  was  possible' to  suffer,  and  it 
seemed  now  almost  impossible  for  human  nature  to  endure  more. 
He  had  arrived  before  Quebec  a  conqueror,  his  fame  had 
reached  his  countrymen  and  his  commander  at  Cambridge,  and 
they  would  expect  a  continuance  of  success.  He  remembered 
moreover  his  parting  words  to  the  beloved  partner  of  his  bosom: 
"you  shall  never  blush  for  your  Montgomery,"  he  had  said, 
when  he  gave  her  the  last  embrace.  While  these  feelings  and 
recollections  were  alternately  elevating  and  depressing  his 
noble  spirit,  he  made  a  desperate  resolution  to  attempt  the 
enemy's  works  by  escalade.  And  such  was  the  skill  with  which 
his  plan  had  been  formed,  that  no  doubt  can  remain,  that  he 
would  ultimately  have  succeeded,  had  not  his  whole  scheme 
been  communicated  to  the  garrison  by  some  scoundrels  who 
deserted  him  at  this  critical  moment. 

Montgomery  soon  perceived  that  the  garrison  were  prepared; 
and  it  became  necessary  to  change  his  whole  plan  of  operations. 
Having  disposed  his  army  into  four  divisions,  two  of  which  he 
intended  should  make  feigned  attacks,  while  Arnold  and  him- 
self should  be  engaged  in  two  real  attacks  upon  two  opposite 
sides,  before  daylight  on  the  31st  of  December,  in  a  thick  fall 
of  snow,  Montgomery  advanced  at  the  head  of  the  New- York 
ers.  Here  again  his  fate  resembled  Wolfe's,  for  before  he  could 
reach  the  place  from  whence  he  intended  to  commence  the 
attack,  the  signal  had  been  given  through  mistake,  and  the 


RICHARD  MONTGOMERY.  ^2<J 

whole  garrison  were  alarmed.  It  was  too  late  now  to  make 
another  change  in  the  plan  of  attack,  and  Montgomery  pushed 
on — he  was  compelled  to  advance  through  a  narrow  path 
between  a  precipice  and  overhanging  rocks — he  had  seized  and 
passed  the  first  barrier,  and  was  boldly  advancing  toward  the 
second,  with  a  few  of  his  bravest  companions,  when  a  discharge 
of  grape  shot  from  the  cannon  that  were  placed  there,  stopped 
the  progress  of  this  brave  and  excellent  officer,  and  destroyed 
the  hopes  of  the  enterprise.  Upon  the  fall  of  the  general,  the 
officer  upon  whom  the  command  of  his  party  devolved,  retired 
without  making  any  attempt  to  pursue  the  advantages  already 
gained.  Some  of  his  bravest  officers  had  shared  the  glorious 
destiny  of  Montgomery,  or  Quebec  must  have  fallen  to  the  united 
efforts  of  this  party  and  that  under  Arnold."* 

In  accordance  with  the  concerted  plan,  "  Arnold  advanced 
with  the  utmost  intrepidity  against  the  battery  in  the  other 
quarter  of  the  city.  The  alarm  was  immediately  given,  and 
the  fire  on  his  flank  commenced,  which,  however,  did  not  prove 
very  destructive.  As  he  approached  the  barrier  he  received  a 
musket-ball  in  his  leg,  which  shattered  the  bone,  and  was  carried 
off  the  field  to  the  hospital.  Morgan  rushed  forward  to  the 
battery,  at  the  head  of  his  company,  and  received  from  one  of 
the  pieces,  almost  at  its  mouth,  a  discharge  of  grape  shot,  which 
killed  only  one  man.  A  few  rifles  were  immediately  fired  into 
the  embrasures,  by  which  a  British  soldier  was  wounded  in  the 
head,  and  the  barricade  being  instantly  mounted,  with  the  aid 
of  ladders,  brought  by  his  men  on  their  shoulders,  the  battery 
was  deserted  without  discharging  the  other  gun.  The  captain 
of  the  guard,  with  the  greater  number  of  his  men,  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  Americans,  and  the  others  made  their  escape. 

Morgan  formed  the  troops,  consisting  of  his  own  company, 
and  a  few  bold  individuals  who  had  pressed  forward  from  other 
par's  of  the  division,  in  the  streets  within  the  barrier,  and  took 
into  custody  several  English  and  Canadian  burghers;  but  his 
situation  soon  became  extremely  critical.  He  was  not  followed 
by  the  main  body  of  the  division;  he  had  no  guide,  and  was 

y- —     .    -  ,      .    .  . —  .  _  i, » ■'  '  '■• 

*  Allen's  Revolution. 


230  RICHARD  MONTGOMERY. 

himself,  totally  ignorant  of  the  situation  of  the  town.  It  was 
yet  dark;  and  he  had  not  the  slightest  knowledge  of  the  course 
to  be  pursued,  or  of  the  defences  to  be  encountered.  Thus 
circumstanced,  it  was  thought  unadvisable  to  advance  further. 

As  the  glow,  produced  by  immense  exertion,  gave  way  to  the 
cold,  which  was  so  intense  that  they  were  covered  wifh  icicles, 
and  as  the  ardor,  excited  by  action,  subsided,  when  they  were 
no  longer  engaged,  even  this  daring  party  became  less  animated. 
Whilst  waiting  in  total  ignorance  of  the  fate  of  the  residue  of 
the  division,  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the  fury  of  the  storm, 
the  scattering  fire  still  kept  up  by  the  enemy,  principally  in  their 
rear,  the  paucity  of  their  numbers,  and  the  uncertainty  con- 
cerning their  future  operations  visibly  affected  them.  It  was, 
after  some  deliberation  determined  to  maintain  their  ground, 
while  Morgan  should  return  to  the  barrier  they  had  passed,  for 
the  purpose  of  bringing  up  the  troops  who  were  supposed  to  be 
still  on  the  other  side  of  it. 

They  were  soon  joined  by  lieutenant-colonel  Greene,  and 
Majors  Bigelow  and  Meiggs,  with  several  fragments  of  compa- 
nies, so  as  to  constitute,  altogether,  about  two  hundred  men. 

As  the  light  of  day  began  to  appear,  this  small  but  gallant 
party  was  again  formed,  with  Morgan's  company  in  front;  and 
with  one  voice,  they  loudly  called  on  him  to  lead  them  against 
the  second  barrier,  which  was  now  known  to  be  less  than  forty 
paces  from  them,  though  concealed  by  an  angle  of  the  street 
from  their  immediate  view.  Seizing  the  {ew  ladders  brought 
with  them,  they  again  rushed  on  to  the  charge,  and  on  turning 
the  angle,  were  hailed  by  captain,  or  lieutenant  Anderson,  who 
was  just  issuing  with  a  body  of  troops  through  the  gate  of  the 
barricade,  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  the  Americans,  whom 
he  had  expected  to  find  dispersed,  and  probably  plundering  the 
town.  Morgan,  who  was  in  the  front,  answered  his  challenge  by 
a  ball  through  his  head,  and  as  he  fell,  he  was  drawn  within  the 
barricade  and  the  gate  closed  upon  the  assailants,  who  received 
at  the  same  instant  a  tremendous  fire  from  the  windows  overlook- 
ing the  barrier,  and  from  the  port-holes  through  it.  Ladders 
were  immediately  placed  against  the  barricade,  and  for  some 


RiCHARD  MONTGOMERY.  SS'l 

time  a  fierce  contest  was  maintained,  which,  on  the  part  of  the 
assailants,  was  also  a  bloody  one.  A  few  of  the  bolder,  among 
the  front  tiles,  ascended  the  ladders  under  this  deadly  fire;  and 
saw  on  the  other  side  of  the  barricade,  double  ranks  of  soldiers, 
who,  with  their  muskets  planted  on  the  ground,  presented 
hedges  of  bayonets  to  receive  them  if  they  should  attempt  to 
leap  to  the  earth.  Exposed  thus,  in  a  narrow  street,  to  a  most 
galling  fire,  many  of  the  assailants  threw  themselves  into  the 
stone-houses  on  each  side,  which  afforded  them  a  shelter  both 
from  the  storm,  and  from  the  enemy;  and  through  the  windows 
of  which  they  kept  up  an  irregular  and  not  very  effective  tire. 
One  circumstance  which  greatly  contributed  to  the  irresolution 
now  displaying  itself,  was  that  scarcely  more  than  one  in  ten  of 
their  fire-arms  could  be  used.  Notwithstanding  the  precaution 
of  tying  handkerchiefs  around  the  locks,  the  violence  of  the 
storm  had  totally  unfitted  them  for  service.  Morgan  soon 
found  himself  at  the  barrier  with  only  a  few  officers  and  a  small 
number  of  soldiers.  Yet  he  could  not  prevail  on  himself  to 
relinquish  the  enterprise.  With  a  voice  louder  than  the  tem- 
pest, he  called  on  those  who  were  sheltered  in  the  houses,  to 
come  forth  and  scale  the  barrier;  but  he  called  in  vain;  neither 
exhortations  nor  reproaches  could  draw  them  in  sufficient  num- 
bers to  the  point  of  attack.  Being  at  length  compelled  to  relin- 
quish all  hope  of  success,  he  ordered  the  few  brave  men  who 
still  adhered  to  him  to  save  themselves  in  the  houses,  while  he, 
accompanied  only  by  Lieut.  Heth,  returned  towards  the  first 
barrier,  in  order  to  concert  with  the  field  officers  some  plan  for 
drawing  off  the  troops.  He  soon  met  Majors  Bigelow  and 
Meiggs,  to  whom  he  proposed  an  immediate  retreat  by  the 
same  route  along  which  they  had  marched  to  the  attack.  This 
proposition  was  assented  to,  and  Lieut.  Heth  was  despatched 
to  draw  the  troops  from  their  present  situation."* 

"  In  Montgomery,  the  Americans  lost  one  of  the  bravest  and 
most  accomplished  generals  that  ever  led  an  army  to  the  field. 
But  he  was  not  more  illustrious  for  his  skill  and  courage  as  an 
officer  than  he  was  estimable  for  his  private  virtues.     He  pos.- 

*  Marshall's  Washington.. 


232  RICHARD  MONTGOMERY 

messed  a  mind  adorned  with  every  accomplishment,  and  a  per 
son  in  which  every  manly  grace  shone  with  conspicuous  lustre. 

His  was 

.•r 
"A  combination,  and  a  form  indeed, 

Where  every  God  did  seem  to  set  Lis  seal, 

To  give  the  world  assurance  of  a  man." 

Gen.  Montgomery  had  borne  the  commission  of  a  Colonel  in 
the  war  of  1759,  and  was  fighting  by  the  side  of  Wolfe,  when 
that  Spartan  hero  fell.  His  bravery  and  his  worth  were  then 
acknowledged  by  the  British  army,  and  they  were  proud  to 
regard  him  as  a  friend  and  brother;  but  notwithstanding  the 
many  professions  of  attachment  and  esteem  for  his  character, 
his  body  would  have  been  thrown  with  the  heap  of  slain,  uncof- 
fined  and  unmarked,  into  the  same  indiscriminate  pit,  but  for 
the  lieutenant-governor;  who,  urged  by  the  solicitations  of  the 
lady  whom  he  afterward  married,  reluctantly  procured  a  coffin 
of  the  roughest  sort,  and  thus  apart  from  the  rest,  buried  his 
former  friend  and  companion  in  arms. — From  this  spot,  after 
mouldering  in  the  grave  for  more  than  forty-two  years,  the  bones 
of  this  gallant  soldier  were  removed  by  his  fellow-citizens  of 
New- York,  and  deposited  in  a  tomb  more  worthy  of  him. 

The  resemblance  in  the  character,  conduct,  and  destiny  of 
Wolfe  and  Montgomery,  is  too  striking  to  be  passed  over  without 
a  remark.  Montgomery  had  been  in  some  measure  the  pupil  of 
Wolfe;  under  his  guidance  he  had  learnt  the  first  rudiments  of 
war;  and  in  his  career  of  glory,  he  saw  an  example  worthy  of 
imitation.  We  have  seen  the  difficulties  under  which  Wolfe 
had  to  struggle,  and  we  have  seen  the  noble  daring  which  led 
him,  perhaps  against  the  suggestions  of  prudence,  to  attempt  to 
surmount  them.  He  lived,  as  he  expressed  himself,  but  to 
fight  Montcalm  on  equal  ground — this  accomplished  he  had 
consummated  the  only  object  of  his  existence,  and  died  "con- 
tent." Wolfe  was  fighting  for  his  king,  under  the  orders  of  his 
ministry,  and  here  lies  the  striking  difference  in  the  lives  and 
fortunes  of  these  heroes.  Montgomery  entered  on  the  expedi- 
tion with  the  name  of  rebel.  He  ventured  his  fame,  his  charac- 
ter, his  life,  in  the  service  of  revolted  colonies — but  it  was  to 


RICHARD  MONTGOMERY.  233 

secure  10  these  colonies  the  enjoyment  of  liberty  under  the 
rights  of  the  constitution.  For  this  he  sacrificed  the  tender 
endearments  of  conjugal  felicity,  and  at  the  head  of  an  undis- 
ciplined body  of  men,  placed  himself  in  opposition  to  a  Veteran 
general.  The  skill  which  he  displayed  was  equal  to  the  forti- 
tude which  such  an  enterprise  demanded.  He  had  not  only  to 
contend  against  a  formidable  enemy,  but  against  the  severities 
of  a  climate  to  which  none  of  his  men  were  accustomed.  His 
having  in  one  night  constructed  a  battery  of  ?'ce,  will  at  once 
show  his  military  skill  and  industry,  and  the  intense  coldness  of 
the  climate.  With  a  discontented,  starving  and  mutinous  army, 
he  pushed  boldly  forward  in  search  of  that  victory  which  had 
cheered  the  parting  moments  of  Wolfe.  But  destiny  had  marked 
a  different  course  for  him;  death  arrested  his  steps  too  soon. 
He  was  cut  off  in  the  onset,  and  none  was  left  to  follow  the  plan 
which  he  had  marked  out — his  last  sigh  was  embittered  by  anti- 
cipated defeat. 

Victory  brings  its  own  lustre ;  and  when  she  entwines  her 
garlands  around  the  head  of  an  insensate  corpse,  they  seem  from 
that  single  circumstance  to  display  a  lovelier  verdure:  death 
gives  a  more  touching  interest,  a  deeper  pathos  to  the  fate  of  the 
hero — the  million  will  admire,  and  posterity  will  always  ap- 
plaud. But  how  does  the  tragedy  deepen  when  the  hero  ex- 
pires on  the  field  of  battle,  surrounded  not  by  the  beams  of  vic- 
tory, but  by  the  darkness  of  defeat.  He  sees  nothing  to  cheer 
his  parting  moments — nothing  in  anticipation  but  public  obloquy, 
and  that  reproach  which  seems  inseparable  from  want  of  success. 
This  reproach  and  this  obloquy  did  pursue  the  shade  of  Mont- 
gomery:  his  heroism  was  stigmatised  with  the  character  of  rash- 
ness— of  insanity.  But  let  it  be  remembered,  that  nothing  but 
the  difference  of  a  few  hours  in  the  term  of  his  life  prevented 
that  victory  which  consecrated  the  same  rashness  in  Wolfe,  and 
impressed  upon  it  the  character  of  glory. 

The  turn  of  a  die  decides  the  fate  of  an  army ;  and  the  same 
tiling  is  desperation  in  one, or  the  highest  effort  of  military  skill 
in  another,  according  as  defeat  or  success  shall  attend  the  enter- 
prise.    Posterity,  that  looks  at  the  records  of  history  unbiassed. 
30 

Jfe' 


.234  WILLIAM  MOULTRIE 

will  observe  no  difference  in  the  merits  of  Wolfe  and  Montgom- 
ery. They  were  both  heroes — both  entitled  to  the  chaplet  of 
/mmortal  fame."* 

To  express  the  high  sense  entertained  by  his  country  of  his 
services,  congress  directed  a  monument  of  white  marble  to  be 
erected,  with  the  following  inscription ;  which  was  placed  in  front 
of  St.  Paul's  Church,  New  York: 

THIS    MONUMENT 

was  erected  by  order  of 

Congress,  25th  January,  1776, 

to  transmit  to  posterity  a  grateful 

remembrance  of  the 

PATRIOTISM,    CONDUCT,    ENTERPRISE    AND    PERSEVERANCE 

of  Major-general 
RICHARD  MONTGOMERY, 

who,  after  a  series  of 

successes,  amidst  the  most 

discouraging  difficulties,  fell 

in  the  attack  on 

Quebec, 

31st  December,  1775, 

aged  39  years. 

The  remains  of  Gen.  Montgomery,  after  resting  42  years  at 

Quebec,  by  the  resolve  of  the  state  of  New  York,  were  brought 

to  the  city  of  New  York,  on  the  8th  of  July,  1818,anddeposted 

with  ample  form,  and  grateful  ceremonies,  near  the  aforesaid 

monument  in  St.  Paul's  church. 


WILLIAM    MOULTRIE, 

Major-Gcncral  in  the  American  Army, 

This  gentleman  was  a  citizen  of  South  Carolina,  and  was  a 
soldier  from  an  early  period  of  his  life.  At  the  commencement 
of  the  revolution,  he  was  among  the  foremost  to  assert  the  lib- 
erties of  his  country;  and  braved  every  danger  to  redress  her 
wrongs. 

*  American  Revolution. 


*fc 


WILLIAM  MOULTRIE.  235- 

The  scene  of  his  brilliant  operations  was  in  South  Carolina, 
dnd  his  gallant  defence  of  Sullivan's  Island,  crowned  him  with 
immortality. 

"General  Lee  styled  the  post  at  Sullivan's  Island,  a  slaughter 
pen,  denounced  its  defence,  and  pronouncing  disgrace  on  the 
measure  should  it  be  persisted  in,  earnestly  requested  the  presi- 
dent to  order  it  to  be  evacuated. 

Happily  for  the  nation,  its  destinies  were  at  that  period  gui- 
ded by  that  inflexible  patriot,  John  Rutledge,  who  confidently 
relying  on  Moultrie  and  his  intrepid  band,  heroically  replied  to 
Lee,  "that  while  a  soldier  remained  alive  to  defend  it,  he  would 
never  give  his  sanction  to  such  an  order."  The  result  proved 
the  accuracy  of  his  judgment.  The  following  laconic  note  was 
at  the  same  time  forwarded  to  colonel  Moultrie.  "General  Lee 
wishes  you  to  evacuate  the  fort.  You  will  not  without  an  order 
from  me.     I  will  sooner  cut  off  my  hand  than  write  one."* 

The  defence  of  the  pass  at  Sullivan's  Island  may  be  compared 
with  many  of  the  splendid  achievements  which  Grecian  elo- 
quence has  rendered  illustrious.  Impressed  with  prejudices  as 
strong  as  Xerxes  ever  cherished  against  Greece,  the  comman- 
ders of  the  British  forces  approached  our  coast,  not  to  conciliate, 
but  to  subdue.  Exulting  in  the  supposed  superiority  of  their 
discipline  and  valor,  they  spoke  in  the  language  of  authority, 
and  would  listen  to  no  terms  short  of  unconditional  submission. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  gallant  Mou^rie,  commanding  a  corps, 
formidable  only  by  their  boldness  and  resolution,  impatiently- 
awaited  their  approach.  He  was  not  insensible  of  the  insuffi- 
ciency of  a  work  hastily  constructed,  and  in  every  part  incom- 
plete; but  considering  himself  pledged  to  give  a  proof  to  the 
enemy  of  American  valor,  he  scorned  the  disgrace  of  relinquish- 
ing the  fort  he  had  sworn  to  defend,  and  notwithstanding  the  ad- 
vice of  the  veteran  Lee,  heroically  prepared  for  action. 

Immediately  on  the  approach  of  the  British  fleet  to  the  coast, 
with  the  evident  intention  of  attacking  Charleston,  a  fort  had 
been  constructed  on  the  west  end  of  Sullivan's  Island,  mounting 
thirty-two  guns,  32'sand  1 8"s.  Into  this  fort,  Moultrie  and  his 
gallant  band  threw  themselves. 

*  Garden's  Anecdotes. 


236  WILLIAM  MOULTRIE. 

"Two  fifty  gun  ships  of  the  enemy,  four  frigates,  several  sloops 
of  war,  and  bomb-vessels,  were  brought  to  the  attack,  which 
was  commenced  about  eleven  o'clock,  from  one  of  the  bomb 
vessels.  This  was  soon  followed  by  the  guns  of  all  the  ships. 
Four  of  the  vessels  dropped  anchor  within  a  short  distance  of 
the  fort  and  opened  their  several  broadsides.  Three  others 
were  ordered  to  take  their  stations  between  the  end  of  the 
island  and  the  city,  intending  thereby  to  enfilade  the  works  as 
well  as  to  cut  off  the  communication  with  the  continent.  But 
in  attempting  to  execute  this  order,  they  became  entangled  with 
each  other  on  the  shoals,  and  one  of  the  frigates,  the  Acteon, 
stuck  fast. 

The  roar  of  artillery  upon  this  little  fort  was  incessant,  and 
enough  to  appal  even  those  who  had  been  accustomed  all  their 
lives  to  the  dreadful  work  of  a  cannonade.  But  Moultrie,  with 
his  brave  Carolinians,  seemed  to  regard  it  only  as  a  symphony 
to  the  grand  march  <5f  independence.  They  returned  the  fire 
with  an  aim  as  true  and  deliberate  as  though  each  British  ship 
had  been  placed  as  a  target  for  prize  shooting,  and  continued  it 
for  several  hours  until  their  amunition  was  expended.  The 
cessation  whkh  this  necessarily  occasioned,  produced  a  momen- 
tary joy  in  the  assailants,  who  in  imagination  already  grasped 
the  victory  which  l^d  been  so  hotly  disputed — but  the  renewal 
of  the  blaze  from  the  batteries  soon  convinced  them  that  the 
struggle  was  not  yet  endeu,  Another  gleam  of  hope  brightened 
upon  the  British  seamen,  whe^,  after  a  dreadful  volley,  the  flag 
of  Moultrie  was  no  longer  seen  to  wave  defiance.  They  looked 
eagerly  and  anxiously  towards  the  spot  where  Clinton,  Corn- 
wallis  and  Vaughan  had  landed  with  the  troops,  expecting  every 
moment  to  see  them  mount  the  parapets  in  triumph.  But  no 
British  troops  appeared,  and  a  few  moments  afterward,  tnc  stri- 
ped flag  of  the  colonies  once  more  proudly  unfolded  to  the  breeze 
— the  staff  had  been  carried  away  by  a  shot,  and  the  flag  had 
fallen  on  the  outside  of  the  works;  a  brave  sergeant  of  the  Car- 
olina troops,  by  the  name  of  Jasper,  jumped  over  the  wall, 
eiezed  the  flag,  and  fastened  it  to  a  sponge  staff,  mounted  the 
merlon  amidst  the  thunder  of  the  enemy's  guns,  and  fixed  it  in 
a  conspicuous  place. 


WILLIAM  MOULTRIE.  237 

The  ships  of  the  enemy  kept  up  their  fire  with  unsubdued 
courage,  until  half  past  nine  o'clock,  when  the  darkness  of  the 
night  put  a  stop  to  the  carnage  on  both  sides;  and  the  ships,  with 
the  exception  of  the  Acteon,  soon  after  slipped  their  cables,  and 
dropped  down  about  two  miles  from  the  scene  of  action.  The 
terrible  slaughter  on  board  the  ships  bore  melancholy  testimony 
to  the  bravery  of  the  British  seamen.  At  one  time  Captain 
Morris,  of  the  Bristol,  was  almost  the  only  m;m  left  upon  the 
quarter-deck.  He  had  received  several  wounds,  but  gallantly 
refused  to  quit  the  deck,  until  no  longer  able  to  stand,  or  give 
an  order.  This  ship  had  1 1 1  killed  and  wounded.  The  Experi- 
ment lost  99  killed  and  wounded,  and  among  the  latter  her  com- 
mander, Captain  Scott.  The  Acteon  had  a  lieutenant  killed 
and  six  men  wounded,  and  the  Solebay  eight  wounded.  The 
whole  killed  and  wounded  225.  Sir  Peter  Parker,  and  Lord 
William  Campbell,  who  served  as  a  volunteer,  were  both 
wounded.  The  Americans  lost  only  ten  killed,  and  twenty-two 
wounded. 

It  is  impossible  to  give  too  much  praise  to  Col.  Moultrie  and 
his  brave  Carolinians,  who  for  more  than  ten  hours  sustained  the 
continued  tire  of  upwards  of  one  hundred  guns  and  bombs ;  from 
which  in  the  course  of  that  time  were  thrown  more  than  ten 
thousand  shot  and  shells,  seven  thousand  of  which  were  picked 
up  on  the  next  day. 

On  the  next  day  a  few  shot  were  fired  from  the  garrison  at 
the  Acteon,  which  remained  aground,  and  the  crew  returned 
them,  but  finding  it  impossible  to  get  her  off,  they  soon  set  fire 
to,  and  abandoned  her,  leaving  the  colors  flying,  the  guns  loaded, 
and  all  their  ammunition  and  stores.  In  this  perilous  situation 
she  was  boarded  by  a  small  party  of  Americans,  who  fired  three 
of  the  guns  at  their  late  owners,  while  the  flames  were  bursting 
around  them,  filled  their  boats  with  the  stores,  secured  the  flag, 
and  had  just  time  to  save  themselves,  when  she  was  blown  into 
the  air. 

The  fort  which  had  been  so  gallantly  defended  by  Moultrie, 
afterward  received  his  name."* 


•  Allen's  Amcr.  Revolution. 


238  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

"In  1779,  he  gained  a  victory  over  the  British,  in  the 
battle  near  Beaufort.  In  1780,  he  was  second  in  command,  in 
Charleston,  during  the  siege.  After  the  city  surrendered,  he 
was  sent  to  Philadelphia.  In  1782,  he  returned,  and  was  repeat- 
edly chosen  governor  of  the  state  of  South  Carolina. 

Notwithstanding  his  labors,  his  victories,  and  public  services, 
however  zealous,  howevGr  glorious,  however  serviceable,  the 
enemy  had  the  audacity  to  make  choice  of  him  as  a  fit  object 
to  be  gained  over  to  them  by  bribery.  His  talents,  his  experi- 
ence, and  enterprise,  would  be  an  invaluable  acquisition  to  the 
enemy,  if  it  could  be  employed  on  the  continent;  and,  if  it 
could  not  be  so  employed,  then  the  depriving  the  Americans  of 
him  would  be  of  importance  nearly  as  great;  it  was,  in  the  eyes 
of  a  selfish,  greedy  enemy,  highly  prooable  that  a  man  who  had 
suffered  so  much  in  his  private  property,  would  listen  to  a  pro- 
posal which  would  enable  him  to  go  to  Jamaica  as  colonel  of  a 
British  regiment,  the  commander  of  which,  Lord  Charles  Mon- 
tague, politely  offered,  as  a  proof  of  his  sincerity,  to  quit  the 
command,  and  serve  under  him.  "No,"  replied  the  indignant 
Moultrie,  "  not  the  fee-simple  of  that  valuable  island  of  Jamaica 
should  induce  me  to  part  with  my  integrity." 

This  incorruptible  patriot  died  at  Charleston,  September  27. 
5  805,  in  the  76th  year  of  his  age."* 


ISRAEL   PUTNAM, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army. 

Israel  Putnam,  who,  through  a  regular  gradation  of  promo- 
tion, became  the  senior  major-general  in  the  army  of  the  United 
States,  and  next  in  rank  to  Gen.  Washington,  was  born  at  Salem* 
Mass.  on  the  7th  day  of  January,  1718. 

Courage,  enterprise,  activity,  and  perseverance,  were  the  first 
characteristics  of  his  mind:  and  his  disposition  was  as  frank  and 
generous,  as  his  mind  was  fearless  and  independent.     Although 

*Am.  Biography. 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  230 

he  had  too  much  suavity  in  his  nature  to  commence  a  quarrel, 
he  had  too  much  sensibility  not  to  feel,  and  too  much  honor  not 
to  resent,  an  intended  insult.  The  first  time  he  went  to  Boston, 
he  was  insulted  for  his  rusticity  by  a  boy  of  twice  his  size  and 
age:  after  bearing  sarcasms  until  his  patience  was  worn  out,  he 
challenged,  engaged,  and  vanquished  his  unmannerly  antagonist, 
to  the  great  diversion  of  a  crowd  of  spectators.  While  a  strip- 
ling, his  ambition  was  to  perform  the  labor  of  a  man,  ai.d  to 
excel  in  athletic  diversions. 

In  the  year  1739,  he  removed  from  Salem  to  Pomfret,  an 
inland  fertile  town  in  Connecticut.  Having  here  purchased  a 
considerable  tract  of  land,  he  applied  himself  successfully  to 
agriculture. 

"  Our  farmer,  sufficiently  occupied  in  building  a  house  and 
barn,  felling  woods,  making  fences,  sowing  grain,  planting 
orchards,  and  taking  care  of  his  stock,  had  to  encounter,  in  turn, 
the  calamities  occasioned  by  draught  in  summer,  blast  in  harvest, 
loss  of  cattle  in  winter,  and  the  desolation  of  his  sheepfold  by 
wolves.  In  one  night  he  had  seventy  fine  sheep  and  goats  killed, 
besides  many  lambs  and  kids  wrounded.  This  havoc  was  com- 
mitted by  a  she-wolf,  which,  with  her  annual  whelps,  had  for 
several  years  infested  the  vicinity. 

This  wolf  at  length  became  such  an  intolerable  nuisance,  that 
Mr.  Putnam  entered  into  a  combination  with  five  of  his  neigh- 
bors to  hunt  alternately  until  they  could  destroy  her.  Two,  by 
rotation,  were  to  be  constantly  in  pursuit.  It  was  known  that, 
having  lost  the  toes  from  one  foot  by  a  steel-trap,  she  made  one 
track  shorter  than  the  other.  By  this  vestige  the  pursuers 
recognised,  in  a  light  snow,  the  route  of  this  pernicious  animal. 
Having  followed  her  to  Connecticut  river,  and  found  she  had 
turned  back  in  a  direct  course  toward  Pomfret,  they  immediately 
returned ;  and  by  ten  o'clock  the  next  morning,  the  blood-hounds 
had  driven  her  into  a  den,  about  three  miles  distant  from  the 
house  of  Mr.  Putnam.  The  people  soon  collected,  with  dogs, 
guns,  straw,  fire,  and  sulphur,  to  attack  the  common  enemy. 
With  this  apparatus  several  unsuccessful  efforts  were  made  to 
force  her  from  the  den.     The  hounds  came  back  badly  wounded, 


240  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

and  refused  to  return.  The  smoke  of  blazing  straw  had  no 
effect.  Nor  did  the  fumes  of  burnt  brimstone,  with  which  the 
cavern  was  filled,  compel  her  to  quit  the  retirement.  Wearied 
with  such  fruitless  attempts,  (which  had  brought  the  time  to 
ten  o'clock  at  night,)  Mr.  Putnam  tried  once  more  to  make  his 
dog  enter,  but  in  vain;  he  proposed  to  his  negro  man  to  go  down 
into  the  cavern,  and  shoot  the  wolf,  but  (he  negro  declined  the 
hazardous  service.  Then  it  was  that  the  master,  angry  at  the 
disappointment,  and  declaring  that  he  was  ashamed  to  have  a 
coward  in  his  family,  resolved  himself  to  destroy  the  ferocious 
beast,  lest  she  should  escape  through  some  unknown  fissure  of 
the  rock.  His  neighbors  strongly  remonstrated  against  tin 
perilous  enterprise:  but  he,  knowing  that  wild  animals  were 
intimidated  by  fire,  and  having  provided  several  strips  of  birch 
bark,  the  only  combustible  material  he  could  obtain,  that  would 
afford  light  in  this  deep  and  darksome  cave,  prepared  for  his 
descent.  Having,  accordingly,  divested  himself  of  his  coat 
and  waistcoat,  and  having  a  long  rope  fastened  round  his  legs, 
by  which  he  might  be  pulled  back  at  a  concerted  signal,  he 
entered  head  foremost,  with  the  blazing  torch  in  his  hand. 

The  aperture  of  the  den,  on  the  cast  side  of  a  very  high  ledge 
of  rocks,  is  about  two  feet  square;  from  thence  it  descend;- 
obliquely  fifteen  feet,  then  running  horizontally  about  ten  more, 
it  ascends  gradually  sixteen  feet  towards  Us  termination.  The 
sides  of  this  subterraneous  cavity  are  composed  of  smooth  and 
solid  rocks,  which  seem  to  have  been  divided  from  each  other 
by  some  former  earthquake.  The  top  and  bottom  are  also  of 
stone;  and  the  entrance,  in  winter,  being  covered  with  ice,  is 
exceedingly  slippery.  It  is  in  no  place  high  enough  for  a  man 
to  raise  himself  upright,  nor  in  any  part  more  than  three  feci 
in  width. 

Having  groped  bis  passage  to  the  horizontal  part  of  the  den, 
the  most  terrifying  darkness  appeared  in  front  of  the  dim  circle 
of  light  afforded  by  his  torch.  It  was  silent  as  the  house  of 
death.  None  but  monsters  of  the  desert  had  ever  before 
explored  this  solitary  mansion  of  horror.  He  cautiously  pro- 
ceeded inward,  cainc  t°  t\fB  ascent,  which  he  slowly  mounted 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  24 i 

on  his  hands  and  knees  until  he  discovered  the  glaring  eyeballs 
of  t!te  wolf,  who  was  silting  at  the  extremity  of  the  cavern. 
Si  -''ed  at  the  sight  of  tire,  she  gnashed  her  teeth,  and  gave  a 
sullen  growl.  As  soon  as  he  had  made  the  necessary  discovery, 
he  kicked  the  rope,  as  a  signal  for  pulling  him  out.  The  people 
at  the  mouth  of  the  den,  who  had  listened  with  painful  anxiety, 
hearing  the  growling  of  the  wolf,  and  supposing  their  friend  to 
be  in  the  most  imminent  danger,  drew  him  forth  with  such 
celerity  that  his  shirt  was  stripped  over  his  head,  and  his  skin 
se>.f  relv  lacerated.  After  he  had  adjusted  his  clothes,  and 
Joaded  his  gun  with  nine  buck  shot,  holding  a  torch  in 
one  hand,  and  the  musket  in  the  other,  he  descended  the 
second  time.  When  he  drew  nearer  than  before,  the  wolf, 
assuming  a  still  more  fierce  and  terrible  appearance,  howling, 
rolling  her  eyes,  snapping  her  teeth,  and  dropping  her  head 
between  her  legs,  was  evidently  in  the*  attitude,  and  on  the 
Yoint  of  springing  at  him.  At  this  critical  instant  he  levelled 
and  fired  at  her  head,.  Stunned  with  the  shock,  and  suffocated 
with  the  smoke,  he  immediately  found  himself  drawn  out  of 
the  cave.  But  having  refreshed  himself,  and  permitted  the 
smoke  to  dissipate,  he  went  dow  n  the  third  time.  Once  more 
he  came  within  sight  of  the  wolf,  who  appearing  very  passive, 
he  applied  the  torch  to  her  nose,  and  perceiving  her  dead,  he 
took  hold  of  her  ears,  and  then  kicking  the  rope,  (still  tied 
round  his  legs,)  the  people  above,  with  no  small  exultation, 
dragged  them  both  out  together."* 

But  the  time  had  now  arrived,  which  was  to  turn  the  imple- 
ments of  husbandry  into  weapons  of  hostility,  and  to  exchange 
the  hunting  of  wolves,  which  had  ravaged  the  sheepfolds,  for 
the  pursuit  of  savages,  who  had  desolated  the  frontiers.  Put- 
nam was  about  37  years  of  age,'whenthe  war  between  England 
and  France  broke  out  in  America.  In  1755  he  was  appointed 
to  the  command  of  a  company,  in  the  first  regiment  of  provin- 
cials that  was  levied  by  Connecticut.  The  regiment  joined 
the  army  at  the  opening  of  the  campaign,  not  far  distant  from 
Crown  Point. 

*  Life  of  Putnam. 
31 


942  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

"  Soon  after  his  arrival  at  camp,  be  became  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  the  famous  part izan  .Captain,  afterward  Major 
Rogers,  with  whom  he  was  frequently  associated  in  crossing  the 
wilderness,  reconnoitering  the  enemy's  lines,  gaining  intelli- 
gence, and  taking  straggling  prisoners,  as  well  as  in  beating  up 
the  quarters,  and  surprising  the  advanced  pickets  of  their 
army.  For  these  operations,  a  corps  of  rangers  was  formed 
from  the  irregulars.  The  first  time  Rogers  and  Putnam  were 
detached  with  a  party  of  these  light  troops,  it  was  the  fortune  of 
the  latter  to  preserve  with  his  own  hand,  the  life  of  the  former, 
and  to  cement  their  friendship  with  the  blood  of  one  of  their 
enemies. 

The  object  of  this  .  .^edition  was  to  obtain  an  accurate 
knowledge  of  the  position  and  state  of  the  works  at  Crown 
Point.  It  was  impracticable  to  approach  with  their  party  near 
enough  for  this  pujpose,  without  being  discovered.  Alone, 
the  undertaking  was  sufficiently  hazardous,  on  account  of  the 
swarms  of  hostile  Indians  who  infested  the  woods.  Our  two 
partisans,  however,  left  all  their  men  at  a  convenient  distance, 
with  strict  orders  to  continue  concealed  until  their  return. 
Having  thus  cautiously  taken  their  arrangements,  they  advanced 
with  the  profoundest  silence  in  the  evening;  and  lay  during 
the  night  contiguous  to  the  fortress.  Early  in  the  morning  the) 
approached  so  close  as  to  be  able  to  give  satisfactory  informa- 
tion to  the  general  who  had  sent  them,  on  the  several  points  to 
which  their  attention  had  heen  directed:  but  Captain  Rogers 
being  at  a  little  distance  from  Captain  Putnam,  fortuitously 
met  a  stout  Frenchman,  who  instantly  seized  his  fusee  with  one 
hand,  and  with  the  other  attempted  to  stab  him,  while  he  called 
to  an  adjacent  guard  for  assistance.  The  guard  answered. 
Putnam,  perceiving  the  imminent  danger  of  his  friend,  and  that 
ho  time  was  to  be  lost,  or  further  alarm  given  by  firing,  ran 
rapidly  to  them  while  they  were  struggling,  and  w  ith  the  butt 
end  of  his  piece  laid  the  Frenchman  dead  at  his  feet.  The 
partisans,  to  elude  pursuit,  precipitated  their  flight,  joined  the 
party,  and  returned  without  loss  to  the  encampment."* 

*  Life  of  Putnam. 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  343 

•  r 

The  time  -for  which  the  colonial  troops  engaged  to  serve  ter- 
minated with  the  campaign.  Putnam  was  re-appointed,  and 
again  took  the  field  in  1756. 

"  ^ew  are  so  ignorant  of  war.  as  not  to  know  that  military 
adventures  in  the  night,  are  always  extremely  liable  to  acci- 
dents. Captain  Putnam,  having  been  commanded  to  recon- 
noitre the  enemy's  camp  at  the  Ovens  near  Ticonderoga,  took 
the  brave  Lieutenant  Robert  Durkee  as  his  companion.  In 
attempting  to  execute  these  orders,  he  narrowly  missed  being 
taken  himself  in  the  first  instance,  and  killing  his  friend  in  the 
Second.  It  was  customary  for  the  British  and  provincial  troops 
to  place  their  fires  round  their  camp,  which  frequently  exposed 
them  to  the  enemy's  scouts  and  patroles.  A  contrary  practice, 
then  unknown  in  the  English  army,  prevailed  among  the  French 
and  Indians.  The  plan  was  much  more  rational:  they  kept 
their  fires  in  the  centre,  lodged  their  men  circularly  at  a  dis- 
tance, and  posted  their  sentinels  in  the  surrounding  darkness. 
Our  partisans  approached  the  camp,  and  supposing  the  sentries 
were  within  the  circle  of  .fires,  crept  upon  their  hands  and  knees 
with  the  greatest  possible  caution,  until,  to  their  utter  astonish- 
ment, they  found  themselves  in  the  thickest  of  the  enemy. 
The  sentinels,  discovering  them,  fired,  and  slightly  wounded 
Durkee  in  the  thigh.  He  and  Putnam  had  no  alternative. 
Ti'ev  fled.  The  latter,  being  foremost,  and  scarcely  able  to 
see  his  hand  before  him,  soon  plunged  into  a  clay  pit.  Durkee 
almost  at  the  identical  mnme-  t,  came  tumbling  after.  Putnam 
by  no  means  pleased  at  finding  a  companion,  and  believing  him 
to  he  one  of  the  enemy,  lifted  his  tomahawk  to  give  the  deadly 
blow,  when  Durkee,  (who  had  followed  so  closely  as  to  know 
him)  inquired  whether  he  had  escaped  unhurt.  Captain  Put- 
nam instantly  recognising  the  voice,  dropped  his  weapon,  and 
both,  springing  from  the  pit,  made  good  their  retreat  to  the 
neighboring  ledges,  amidst  a  shower  of  random  shot.  There 
thev  betook  themselves  to  a  large  log,  by  the  side  of  which  they 
lodged  the  remainder  of  the  night.  Before  they  lay  down, 
Captain  Pulnam  said  he  bad  a  little  rum  in  hi-  canteen,  wUch 
could  never  be  more  acceptable  or  necessary;  but  on  examining 


244  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

the  canteen,  which  hung  under  his  arm.  he  found-  the  enemy 
had  pierced  it  with  their  balls,  and  that  there  was  not  a  drop 
of  liquor  left.  The  next  day  he  found  fourteen  bullet-holes  in 
his  blanket."* 

Nothing  worthy  of  remark  happened  during  the  course  of 
this  campaign,  but  the  active  services  of  Captain  Putnam  on 
every  occasion  attracted  the  admiration  of  the  public,  and 
induced  the  legislature  of  Connecticut  to  promote  him  to  a 
majority  in  1757. 

"In  the  winter  of  1757,  when  Col.  Haviland  was  command- 
ant at  Fort  Edward,  the  barracks  adjoining  to  the  northwest 
b'^tion  took  fire.  They  extended  within  twelve  feet  of  the 
magazine,  which  contained  three  barrels  of  powder.  On  ite 
first  discovery,  the  fire  raged  with  great  violence.  The  com- 
mandant endeavored,  in  vain,  by  discharging  some  pieces  of 
heavy  artillery  against  the  supporters  of  this  flight  of  barracks, 
to  level  them  with  the  ground.  Putnam  arrived  from  the 
island  where  he  was  stationed  at  the  moment  when  the  blaze 
approached  that  end  which  was  contiguous  to  the  magazine. 
Instantly  a  vigorous  attempt  was  made  to  extinguish  the  confla- 
gration. •  A  way  was  opened  by  the  postern  gate  to  the  river, 
and  the  soldiers  were  employed  in  bringing  water;  which  he, 
having  mounted  on  a  ladder  to  the  eaves  of  the  building, 
received  and  threw  upon  the  flame.  It  continued,  notwithstand- 
ing their  utmost  efforts,  to  gain  upon  them.  He  stood,  envelo- 
ped in  smoke,  so  near  the  sheet  of  fire,  that  a  pair  of  blanket 
mittens  was  burnt  entirely  from  his  hands.  He  was  supplied 
with  another  pair  dipt  in  water.  Colonel  Haviland,  fearing' 
that  he  would  perish  in  the  flames,  called  to  him  to  come  down, 
but  he  entreated  that  he  might  be  suffered  to  remain,  since 
destruction  must  inevitably  ensue  if  their  exertions  should  be 
remitted.  The  gallant  commandant,  not  less  astonished  than 
charmed  at  the  boldness  of  his  conduct,  forbade  any  more 
effects  to  be  carried  out  of  the  fort,  animated  the  men  to 
redoubled  diligence,  and  exclaimed,  "if  we  must  be  blown  up,, 
we  will  go  all  together."  At  last,  when  the  barracks  were  seen 
*  Life  of  Putnam. 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  245 

to  be  tumbling,  Putnam  descended,  placed  himself  at  the  inter- 
val, and  continued  from  an  incessant  rotation  of  replenished 
buckets  to  pour  water  upon  the  magazine.  The  outside  planks 
were  already  consumed  by  the  proximity  of  the  fire,  and  as 
only  one  thickness  of  timber  intervened,  the  trepidation  now 
became  general  and  extreme.  Putnam,  still  undaunted,  covered 
with  a  cloud  of  cinders,  and  scorched  with  the  intensity  of  the 
heat,  maintained  his  position  until  the  fire  subsided,  and  the 
danger  was  wholly  over.  He  had  contended  for  one  hour  and 
and  a  half  with  that  terrible  element.  His  legs,  his  thighs,  his 
arms,  and  his  face  were  blistered ;  and  when  he  pulled  off  his 
second  pair  of  mittens,  the  skin  from  his  hands  and  fingers 
followed  them.  It  was  a  month  before  he  recovered.  The 
commandant,  to  whom  his  merits  had  before  endeared  him, 
could  not  stifle  the  emotions  of  gratitude  due  to  the  man  who 
had  been  instrumental  in  preserving  the  magazine,  the  fort, 
and  the  garrison. 

In  the  month  of  August,  five  hundred  men  were  employed, 
under  the  orders  of  Majors  Rogers  and  Putnam,  to  watch  the 
motions  of  the  enemy  near  Tieonderoga.  At  South  Bay  they 
separated  the  party  into  two  equal  divisions,  and  Rogers  took 
a  position  on  Wood-Creek,  twelve  miles  distant  from  Putnam. 

Upon  being,  some  time  afterward,  discovered,  they  formed  a 
reunion,  and  concerted  measures  for  returning  to  Fort  Edward. 
Their  march  through  the  woods  was  in  three  divisions,  by  files: 
the  right  commanded  by  Rogers,  the  left  by  Putnam,  and  the 
centre  by  Capt.  D'Ell.  At  the  moment  of  moving,  the  famous 
French  partisan  Molang,  who  had  been  sent  with  five  hundred 
men  to  intercept  our  party,  was  not  more  than  one  mile  and  a 
half  distant  from  them.  Major  Putnam  was  just  emerging  from 
the  thicket,  into  the  common  forest,  when  the  enemy  rose,  and, 
with  discordant  yells  and  whoops,  commenced  an  attack  upon 
the  right  of  his  division.  Surprised,  but  undismayed,  Putnam 
halted,  returned  the  fire,  and  passed  the  word  for  the  other 
divisions  to  advance  for  his  support.  D'Ell  came.  The  action, 
though  widely  scattered,  and  principally  fought  between  man. 
and  man,  soon  grew  general,  and  intensely  warm. 


246  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

Major  Putnam,  perceiving  it  would  lie  impracticable  to  cross, 
the  creek  in  his  rear,  determined  to  maintain  his  ground.  In- 
spired by  his  example,  the  ofhVers  and  men  behaved  with  great 
bravery:  sometimes  they  fought  aggregatelv  in  open  view, 
and  sometimes  individually  under  cover;  taking  aim  from 
behind  the  bodies  of  trees,  and  acting  in  a  manner,  indepen- 
dent of  each  other.  For  himself,  having  discharged  his  fusee 
several  times,  at  length  it  missed  fire,  while  the  muzzle  was 
pressed  against  the  breast  of  a  large  and  well-proportioned 
savage.  This  warrior,  availing  himself  of  the  indefensible 
attitude  of  his  adversary,  with  a  tremendous  war-whoop,  sprang 
forward,  with  his  lifted  hatchet,  and  compelled  him  to  surren- 
der; and,  having  disarmed  and  bound  him  fast  to  a  tretw 
returned  to  the  battle. 

The  intrepid  Captains,  D'Ell  and  Harman,  who  now  com- 
manded, were  forced  to  give  ground  for  a  little  distance:  the 
savages,  conceiving  this  to  be  the  certain  harbinger  of  victory,. 
rushed  impetuously  on,  with  dreadful  and  redoubled  cries. 
But  our  two  partisans,  collecting  a  handful  of  brave  men,  gave 
the  pursuers  so  warm  a  reception  as  to  oblige  them,  in  turn,  to 
retreat  a  little  beyond  the  spot  at  which  the  action  had  com- 
menced. Here  they  made  a  stand.  This  change  of  ground 
occasioned  the  tree  to  which  Putnam  was  tied,  to  be  directly 
between  the  the  fire  of  the  two  parties.  Human  imagination 
can  hardly  figure  to  itself  a  more  deplorable  situation.  The 
balls  flew  incessantly  from  either  side,  many  struck  the  tree, 
while  some  passed  through  the  sleeves  and  skirts  of  his  coat. 
In  this  state  of  jeopardy,  unable  to  move  his  body,  to  stir  his 
limbs,  or  even  to  incline  his  head,  he  remained  more  than  an 
hour.  So  equally  balanced,  and  so  obstinate  was  the  fight! 
At  one  moment,  while  the  battle  swerved  in  favor  of  the  enemy, 
a  young  savage  chose  an  odd  way  of  discovering  his  humor. 
He  found  Putnam  bound — he  might  have  despatched  him  at 
a  single  blow — but  he  loved  better  to  excite  the  terrors  of  the 
prisoner,  by  hurling  a  tomahawk  at  his  head,  or  rather  it  should 
seem  his  object  was  to  see  how  near  he  could  threw  it  without 
touching  him.     The  weapon  struck  in  the  tree  a  number  of 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  247 

iimes,  at  a  hair's  breath  distance  from  the  mark.  When  the 
Indian  had  finished  his  amusement,  a  French  bas-officer,a  much 
more  inveterate  savage  by  nature,  (though  descended  from  so 
humane  and  polished  a  nation,)  perceiving  Putnam,  came  up  to 
him,  and,  levelling  a  fuese  within  a  foot  of  his  breast,  attempted 
to  discharge  it — it  missed  fire.  Ineffectually  did  the  intended 
victim  solicit  the  treatment  due  to  his  situation,  by  repeating 
that  he  was  a  prisoner  of  war.  The  degenerate  Frenchman 
did  not  understai  d  the  language  of  honor  or  of  nature:  deaf  to 
their  voice,  and  dead  to  sensibility,  he  violently,  and  repeatedly, 
pushed  the  muzzle  of  his  gun  against  Putnam's  ribs, and  finally 
gave  him  a  cruel  blow  on  the  jaw  with  the  butt-end  of  his 
piece.     After  this  dastardly  deed  he  left  him. 

At  length  the  active  intrepidity  of  D'Ell  and  Harman, 
seconded  by  the  persevering  valor  of  their  followers,  prevailed. 
They  drove  from  the  field  the  enemy,  who  left  about  ninety 
dead  behind  them.  As  they  were  retiring,  Putnam  was  untied 
by  the  Indian  who  had  made  him  prisoner,  and  whom  he  after- 
ward called  master.  Having  been  conducted  for  some  distance 
from  the  place  of  action,  he  was  stripped  of  his  coat,  vest,  stock- 
ings, and  shoes;  loaded  with  as  many  of  the  packs  of  the 
wounded  as  could  be  piled  upon  him;  strongly  pinioned,  and 
his  wrists  tied  as  closely  together  as  they  could  be  pulled  with 
a  cord.  After  he  had  marched  through  no  pleasant  paths,  in 
this  painful  manner,  for  many  a  tedious  mile,  the  party  (who 
were  excessively  fatigued)  halted  to  breathe.  His  hands  were 
now  immoderately  swelled  from  the  tightness  of  the  ligature; 
and  the  pain  had  become  intolerable.  His  feet  were  so  much 
scratched,  that  the  blood  dropped  fast  from  them.  Exhausted 
with  bearing  a  burden  above  his  strength,  and  frantic  with  tor- 
ments exquisite  beyond  endurance,  he  entreated  the  Irish  inter- 
preter, to  implore,  as  the  last  and  only  grace  he  desired  of  the 
savages,  that  they  would  knock  him  on  the  head  and  take  his 
scalp  at  once,  or  loose  his  hands.  A  French  officer,  instantly 
interposing,  ordered  his  hands  to  be  unbound,  and  some  of  the 
packs  to  be  taken  off.  By  this  time,  the  Indian  who  captured 
him,  and  had  been  absent  with  the  wounded,  coming  up,  gave 


248  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

him  a  pair  of  mocasons,  and  expressed  great  indignation  at 
the  unworthy  treatment  his  prisoner  had  suffered. 

That  savage  chief  again  returned  to  the  care  of  the  wounded, 
and  the  Indians,  about  two  hundred  in  number,  went  before  the 
rest  of  the  party  to  the  place  where  the  whole  were  that  night 
to  encamp.  They  took  with  them  Major  Putnam,  on  whom, 
besides  innumerable  other  outrages,  they  had  the  barbarity  to 
inflict  a  deep  wound  with  the  tomahawk  in  the  left  cheek.  His 
sufferings  were,  in  this  place,  to  be  consummated.  A  scene  of 
horror,  infinitely  greater  than  had  ever  met  his  eyes  before,  was 
now  preparing.  It  was  determined  to  roast  him  alive.  For 
this  purpose,  they  led  him  into  a  dark  forest,  stripped  him  naked, 
bound  him  to  a  tree,  and  piled  dry  brush,  with  other  fuel,  at  a 
small  distance,  in  a  circle  round  him.  They  accompanied  their 
labors,  as  if  for  his  funeral  dirge,  with  screams  and  sounds  inim- 
itable but  by  savage  voices.  They  then  set  the  piles  on  fire. 
A  sudden  shower  damped  the  rising  flame.  Still  they  strove  to 
kindle  it,  until,  at  last,  the  blaze  ran  fiercely  rouud  the  circle. 
Major  Putnam  soon  began  to  feel  the  scorching  heat. 

His  hands  were  so  tied  that  he  could  move  his  body.  He 
often  shifted  sides  as  the  fire  approached.  This  sight,  at  the 
very  idea  of  which  all  but  savages  must  shudder,  afforded  the 
highest  diversion  to  his  inhuman  tormentors,  who  demonstrated 
the  delirium  of  their  joy  by  correspondent  yells,  dances,  and 
gesticulations.  He  saw  clearly  that  his  final  hour  was  inevitably 
come.  He  summoned  all  his  resolution,  and  composed  his  mind 
as  far  as  the  circumstances  could  admit,  to  bid  an  eternal 
farewell  to  all  he  held  most  dear.  To  quit  the  world  would 
scarcely  have  cost  him  a  single  pa-g;  but  for  the  idea  of 
home,  but  for  the  remembrance  of  domestic  endearments, 
of  the  affectionate  partner  of  his  soul,  and  of  their  beloved 
offspring.  His  thought  was  ultimately  fixed  on  a  happier 
state  of  existence,  beyond  the  tortures  he  was  beginning  to 
endure.  The  bitterness  of  death,  even  of  that  death  which  is 
accompanied  with  the  keenest  agonies,  was,  in  a  manner, past — 
nature,  with  a  feeble  struggle,  was  quitting  its  last  hold  on  sub- 
lunary things,  when  a  French  officer  rushed  through  the  crowd. 


- 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  249 

opened  a  way  by  scattering  the  burning  brands,  and  unbound 
the  victim.  It  was  Molang  himself,  to  whom  a  savage,  unwilling 
to  see  another  human  sacrifice  immolated,  had  run  and  commu- 
nicated the  tidings.  That  commandant  spurned  and  severely 
reprimanded  the  barbarians  whose  nocturnal  powaws  and  hellish 
orgies  he  suddenly  ended.  Putnam  did  not  want  for  feeling  of- 
gratitude.  The  French  commander,  fearing  to  trust  him  alone 
with  them,  remained  until  he  could  deliver  him  in  safety  into 
the  hands  of  his  master. 

The  savage  approached  his  prisoner  kindly,  and  seemed  to 
treat  him  with  particular  affection.  He  offered  him  some  hard 
biscuit;  but  finding  he  could  not  chew  them,  on  account  of  the 
blow  he  had  received  from  the  Frenchman,  this  more  humane 
savage  soaked  some  of  the  biscuit  in  water,  and  made  him  suck 
the  pulp-like  part.  Determined,  however,  not  to  lose  his  cap- 
tive, (the  refreshment  being  finished,)  he  took  the  mocasons  from 
his  feet,  and  tied  them  to  one  of  his  wrists:  then  directing  him 
to  lie  down  on  his  back  upon  the  bare  ground,  he  stretched  one 
arm  to  its  full  length,  and  pinioned  it  fast  to  a  young  tree;  the 
other  arm  was  extended  and  bound  in  the  same  manner — his  legs 
were  stretched  apart  and  fastened  to  two  saplings.  Then  a 
number  of  tall,  but  slender  poles  were  cut  down,  which,  with 
some  long  bushes,  were  laid  across  his  body  from  head  to  toot: 
on  each  side  lay  as  many  Indians  as  could  conveniently  find 
lodging,  in  order  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  his  escape.  In 
this  disagreeable  and  painful  posture  he  remained  until  morning. 
During  this  night,  the  longest  and  most  dreary  conceivable,  our 
hero  used  to  relate  that  he  felt  a  ray  of  cheerfulness  come  cas- 
ually across  his  mind,  and  could  not  even  refrain  from  smiling 
when  he  reflected  on  this  ludicrous  groupe  for  a  painter,  of  which 
he  himself  was  the  principal  figure. 

The  next  day  he  was  allowed  his  blanket  and  mocasons,  and 
permitted  to  march  without  carrying  any  pack,  or  receiving  any 
insult.  To  allay  his  extreme  hunger,  a  little  bear's  meat  was 
given,  which  he  sucked  through  his  teeth.  At  night  the  party 
arrived  at  Ticonderoga,and  the  prisoner  was  placed  under  the 
care  of  a  French  guard.  The  savages  who  had  been  prevented 
32 


25a  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

from  glutting  their  diabolical  thirst  for  blood,  took  other  oppor- 
tunity of  manifesting  their  malevolence  for  the  disappointment, 
by  horrid  grimaces  and  angry  gestures;  but  they  were  suffered 
no  more  to  offer  violence  or  personal  indignity  to  him. 

After  having  been  examined  by  the  Marquis  de  Montcalm, 
Major  Putnam  was  conducted  to  Montreal  by  a  French  officer, 
who  ireated  him  with  the  greatest  indulgence  and  humanity. 

At  this  place  were  several  prisoners.  Colonel  Peter  Schuyler, 
remarkable  for  his  philanthropy,  generosity  and  friendship*,  was 
of  the  number.  No  sooner  had  he  heard  of  Putnam's  arrival 
than  he  went  to  the  interpreter's  quarters,  and  inquired  whether 
he  had  a  Provincial  Major  in  his  custody.  He  found  Major 
Putnam  in  a  comfortless  condition — without  coat,  waistcoat,  or 
hose — the  remnant  of  his  clothing  miserably  dirty  and  ragged — 
his  beard  long  and  squalid — his  legs  torn  by  thorns  and  briers — 
his  face  gashed  by  wounds,  and  swollen  with  bruises.  Colonel 
Schuyler, irritated  beyond  all  sufferance  at  such  a  sight,  could 
scarcely  restrain  his  speech  within  limits,  consistent  with  the 
prudence  of  a  prisoner,  and  the  meekness  of  a  christian.  Maj. 
Putnam  was  immediately  treated  according  to  his  rank,  clothed 
in  a  decent  manner,  and  supplied  with  money  by  that  liberal  and 
sympathetic  patron  of  the  distressed. 

The  capture  of  Frontenac  by  Gen.  Bradstreet,  afforded  oc- 
casion for  an  exchange  of  prisoners.  Col.  Schuyler  was  com- 
prehended in  the  cartel*  A  generous  spirit  can  never  be  satis- 
fied with  imposing  tasks  for  its  generosity  to  accomplish.  Ap- 
prehensive, if  it  should  be  known  that  Putnam  was  a  distin- 
guished partizan,  his  liberation  might  be  retarded,  and  knowing 
that  there  were  officers,  who,  from  the  length  of  their  captivity, 
had  a  claim  to  priority  of  exchange,  he  had,  by  his  happy  ad- 
dress, induced  the  governor  to  offer,  that  whatever  officer  he 
might  think  proper  to  nominate  should  be  included  in  the  present 
cartel.  With  great  politeness  in  manner,  but  seeming  indiffer- 
ence as  to  object,  he  expressed  his  warmest  acknowledgments 
to  the  governor,  and  said, — There  is  an  old  man  here,  who  is  a 
Provincial  Major,  and  wishes  to  be  at  home  with  his  wife  and 
children;  he  can  do  no  good  here  or  any  where  elee;  I  believe 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  251 

your  Excellency  had  better  keep  some  of  the  young  men,  who 
have  no  wife  nor  children  to  care  for,  and  let  the  old  fellow  go 
home  with  me.     This  justifiable  finesse  had  the  desired  effect.* 

Shortly  after,  Putnam  was  promoted  to  a  lieutenant  colonel, 
in  which  he  continued  until  the  close  of  the  war,  ever,  and  on 
all  occasions,  supporting  his  hard  earned  reputation  for  valor 
and  intrepidity ;  and,  at  the  expiration  of  ten  years  from  his  first 
receiving  a  commission,  after  having  seen  as  much  service,  en- 
dured as  many  hardships,  encountered  as  many  dangers,  and 
acquired  as  many  laurels  as  any  officer  of  his  rank,  with  great 
satisfaction  laid  aside  his  uniform  and  returned  to  the  plough. 

On  the  22d  day  of  March,  1765,  the  stamp  act  received  the 
royal  assent.  Colonel  Putnam,  was,  at  this  time,  a  membor  of 
the  house  of  assembly  of  the  state  of  Connecticut,  and  was  de- 
puted to  wait  on  the  then  governor  Fitch  on  the  subject.  The 
questions  of  the  governor,  and  answers  of  Putnam,  will  serve 
to  indicate  the  spirit  of  the  times.  After  some  conversation, 
the  governor  asked  colonel  Putnam  "what  he  should  do  if  the 
stamped  paper  should  be  sent  him  by  the  King's  authority?'* 
Putnam  replied,  "lock  it  up  until  we  shall  visit  you  again." 
"And  what  will  you  do  then?"  "We  shall  expect  you  to  give 
us  the  key  of  the  room  in  which  it  is  deposited;  and,  if  you 
think  fit,  in  order  to  secure  yourself  from  blame,  you  may  fore- 
warn us,  upon  our  peril,  not  to  enter  the  room."  "And  what 
will  you  do  afterward?"  "Send  it  safely  back  again."  "But 
if  I  should  refuse  admission?  "In  such  case,  your  house  will 
be  demolished  in  five  minutes."  It  is  supposed  that  a  report  of 
this  conversation  was  one  reason  why  the  stamp  paper  was  never 
sent  from  New  York  to  Connecticut. 

Being  once,  in  particular,  asked  by  a  British  officer,  with 
whom  he  had  formerly  served, "whether  he  did  not  seriously 
believe  that  a  well  appointed  British  army  of  five  thousund  vet- 
erans could  march  through  the  whole  continent  of  America?" 
he  briskly  replied,  "no  doubt,  if  they  behaved  civilly,  and  paid 
well  for  every  thing  they  wanted;  but,"  after  a  moment's  pause, 


Life  of  Pnl nam. 


2o2  ISRAEL  PUTNAM". 

added,  "if  they  should  attempt  it  in  a  hostile  manner  (though 
the  American  men  were  out  of  the  question,)  the  women,  with 
their  ladles  and  broomsticks,  would  knock  them  all  on  the  head 
before  they  had  got  half  way  through." 

The  battle  of  Lexington  found  Putnam  in  the  midst  of  his 
agricultural  pursuits.  Immediately  upon  learning  the  fatal  re- 
contre,  he  left  his  plough  in  the  middle  of  the  field,  unyoked  his 
team,  and  without  waiting  to  change  his  clothes,  set  off  for  the 
theatre  of  action.  But  finding  the  British  retreated  to  Boston, 
and  invested. by  a  sufficient  force  to  watch  their  movements,  he 
came  back  to  Connecticut,  levied  a  regiment  under  authority 
of  the  legislature,  and  speedily  returned  to  Cambridge.  He 
was  now  promoted  to  be  a  major-general  on  the  continental 
establishment. 

"Not  long  after  this  period,  the  British  commander-in-chief 
found  the  means  to  convey  a  proposal,  privately,  to  Gen.  Put- 
nam, that  if  he  would  relinquish  the  rebel  party,  he  might  rely 
upon  bein£  made  a  major-general  on  the  British  establishment, 
and  receiving  a  great  pecuniary  compensation  for  his  services. 
Gen.  Putnam  spurned  at  the  offer;  which,  however  he  thought 
prudent  at  that  time  to  conceal  from  public  notice." 

"  In  the  battle  of  Bunker's  Hill  he  exhibited  his  usual  intre- 
pidity. He  directed  the  men  to  reserve  their  fire  till  the  enemy 
was  very  near,  reminded  them  of  their  skill,  and  told  them  to 
take  good  aim.  They  did  so,  and  the  execution  was  terrible. 
After  the  retreat,  he  made  a  stand  at  Winter  Hill,  and  drove 
back  the  enemy  under  cover  of  their  ships.  When  the  army 
was  organised  by  Gen.  Washington  at  Cambridge,  Putnam  was 
appointed  to  command  the  reserve.  In  August,  1776,  he  was 
stationed  at  Brooklyn,  on  Long  Island.  After  the  defeat  of  our 
army  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  that  month,  he  went  to  New- 
York,  and  was  very  serviceable  in  (he  city  and  neighborhood. 
In  October  or  November  he  was  sent  to  Philadelphia,  to  fortify- 
that  city. 

In  January,  1777,  he  was  directed  to  take  post  at  Princeton* 
where  he  continued  until  spring.  At  this  place,  a  sick  prisoner, 
a  captain,  requested  that  a  friend  in  the  British  army  at  Brunsr. 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  253 

wick  might  be  sent  for  to  assist  him  in  making  his  will.  Putnam 
was  perplexed.  He  had  but  fifty  men  under  his  command,  and 
he  did  not  wish  to  have  his  weakness  known ;  yet  he  was  unwil- 
ling 1o  deny  the  request.  He,  however,  sent  a  flag  of  truce,  and 
directed  the  officer  to  be  brought  in  the  night.  In  the  evening 
lights  were  placed  in  all  the  college  windows,  and  in  every 
apartment  of  the  vacant  houses  throughout  the  town.  The 
officer,  on  his  return,  reported  that  General  Putnam's  army 
could  not  consist  of  less  than  four  or  five  thousand  men. 

In  the  spring  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  a  separate 
army,  in  the  highlands  of  New-York.  One  Palmer,  a  lieutenant 
in  the  tory  new  levies,  was  detected  in  the  camp ;  Governor 
Tryon  reclaimed  him  as  a  British  officer,  threatening  vengeance 
if  he  was  not  restored.  Gen.  Putnam  wrote  the  following  pithy 
reply: — "Sir,  Nathan  Palmer,  a  lieutenant  in  your  king's  ser- 
vice, was  taken  in  my  camp  as  a  spy;  he  was  tried  as  a  spy; 
he  was  condemned  as  a  spy;  and  shall  be  hanged  as  a  spy. 
P.  S.  Afternoon.     He  is  hanged." 

After  the  Uss  of  Fort  Montgomery,  the  commander-in-chief 
determined  to  build  another  fortification,  and  he  directed  Put- 
nam to  fix  upon  a  spot.  To  him  belongs  the  praise  of  having 
chosen  Westpoint."* 

"About  the  middle  of  winter,  while  Gen.  Putnam  was  on  a 
visit  to  his  out-post  at  Horse-Neck,  he  found  Governor  Tryon 
advancing  upon  that  town  with  a  corps  of  fifteen  hundred  men. 
To  oppose  these  Gen.  Putnam  had  only  a  picquet  of  150  men, 
and  two  iron  field-pieces,  without  horses  or  drag  ropes.  He, 
however,  planted  his  cannon  on  the  high  ground  by  the  meeting 
house,  and  retarded  their  approach  by  firing  several  times, 
until  perceiving  the  horse  (supported  by  the  infantry)  about  to 
charge,  he  ordered  the  picquet  to  provide  for  their  safety, 
by  retiring  to  »  swamp  inaccessible  to  horse,  and  secured  his 
own  by  plunging  down  the  steep  precipice  at  the  church  upon 
a  full  trot.     This  precipice  is  so  steep  where  he  descended,  as 

*  Allen's  Biographical  Dictionary. 


254  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

lo  have  artificial  stairs,  composed  of  nearly  one  hundred  stone 
steps,  for  the  accommodation  of  foot  passengers.  There  the 
dragoons  who  were  but  a  sword's  length  from  him  stopped 
short;  for  the  declivity  was  so  abrupt,  that  they  ventured  not  to 
follow;  and,  before  they  could  gain  the  valley  by  going  round 
the  brow  of  the  hill  in  the  ordinary  road,  he  was  far  enough 
beyond  their  reach.  He  continued  his  route,  unmolested,  to 
Stamford;  from  whence,  having  strengthened  his  picquet  by 
the  junction  of  some  militia,  he  came  back  again,  and,  in  turn, 
pursued  Governor  Tryon  in  his  retreat.  As  he  rode  down  the 
precipice,  one  ball  of  the  many  fired  at  him,  went  through  his 
beaver;  but  Governor  Tryon,  by  way  of  compensation  for 
spoiling  his  hat,  sent  him  soon  afterward  as  a  present,  a  com- 
plete suit  of  clothes."* 

The  campaign  of  1779,  which  was  principally  spent  in 
strengthening  the  works  at  West  Point,  finished  the  military 
career  of  Putnam.  A  paralytic  affection  impaired  the  activity 
of  his  body,  and  compelled  him  to  quit  the  army. 

"The  remainder  of  the  life  of  Gen.  Putnam  was  passed  in 
quiet  retirement  with  his  family.  He  experienced  few  inter- 
ruptions in  his  bodily  health,  (except  the  paralytic  debility  with 
which  he  was  afflicted,)  retained  full  possession  of  his  mental 
faculties,  and  enjoyed  the  society  of  his  friends  until  the  17th 
of  May,  1790,  when  he  was  violently  attacked  with  an  inflam- 
matory disease.  Satisfied  from  the  first  that  it  would  prove 
mortal,  he  was  calm  and  resigned,  and  welcomed  the  approach 
of  death  with  joy,  as  a  messenger  sent  to  call  him  from  a  life  of 
toil  to  everlasting  rest.  On  the  1 9th  of  May,  1 790,  he  ended  a 
life  which  had  been  spent  in  cultivating  and  defending  the  soil 
of  his  birth,  aged  72  years." 

The  late  Rev.  Dr.  Dwight,  president  of  Yale  College,  who 
knew  Gen.  Putnam  intimately,  has  portrayed  his  character 
faithfully  in  the  following  inscription,  which  is  engraven  on  his 
tomb : 

*  Life  of  Putnam* 


ISRAEL  PUTNAM.  255 

Sacred  be  this  Monument 

to  the  memory 

of 

ISRAEL  PUTNAM,  Est*. 

senior  Major-General  in  the  armies  of  the 

United  States  of  America;  who 

was  born  at  Salem, 

in  the  Province  of  Massachusetts, 

on  the  7th  day  of  January, 

A.  D.  1718, 

and  died 

on  the  1 9th  day  of  May, 

A.  D.  1790. 

Passenger, 

if  thou  art  a  Soldier, 

drop  a  tear  over  the  dust  of  a 

Hero,  who,  ever  attentive  to  the  lives 

and  happiness  of  his  men,  dared  to  lead  where 

any  dared  to  follow;   if  a  patriot, 

remember  the  distinguished  and 

gallant  services  rendered 

thy  country  by  the 

Patriot  who  sleeps  beneath  this 

marble ; 

ff  thou  art  honest,  generous,  and 

worthy,  render  a  cheerful 

tribute  of  respect  to 

a  man,  whose 

generosity  was  singular,  whose 

honesty  was  proverbial  j 

who 

raised  himself  to  universal 

esteem,  and  offices  of 

eminent  distinction, 

by  personal  worthy 

«nd  a  useful 

life. 


(256)  • 


JOSEPH    REED, 

Adjutant-General  in  the  American  Army. 

"Joseph  Reed,  president  of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  wap 
born  in  the  state  of  New-Jersey,  the  27th  of  August,  A.  D. 
1741.  In  the  year  1757,  at  the  early  age  of  sixteen,  he  gradu- 
ated with  considerable  honor,  at  Princeton  college. 

Having  studied  the  law  with  Richard  Stockton,  Esq.  an  emin- 
ent counsellor  of  that  place;  he  visited  England  and  pursued 
his  studies  in  the  temple,  until  the  disturbances  which  first 
broke  out  in  the  colonies  on  the  passage  of  the  stamp  act.  On 
his  return  to  his  native  country,  he  commenced  the  practice  of 
the  law,  and  bore  a  distinguished  part  in  the  political  commo- 
tions of  the  day.  Having  married  the  daughter  of  Dennis  De 
Berdt,  an  eminent  merchant  of  London,  and  before  the  American 
revolution,  agent  for  the  province  of  Massachusetts,  he  soon 
after  returned  to  America,  and  practised  the  law  with  eminent 
success  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Finding  that  reconciliation  with  the  mother  country  was  not 
to  be  accomplished  without  the  sacrifice  of  honor  as  well  as 
liberty,  he  became  one  of  the  most  zealous  advocates  of  indepen- 
dence. In  1 774,  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  committee  of  cor- 
respondence of  Philadelphia,  and  afterward  president  of  the 
convention,  and  subsequently,  member  of  the  continental  con- 
gress. On  the  formation  of  the  army  he  resigned  a  lucrative 
practice,  which  he  was  enjoying  at  Philadelphia,  and  repaired 
to  the  ca,mp  at  Cambridge,  where  he  was  appointed  aid-de- 
camp and  Secretary  to  General  Washington,  and  although 
merely  acting  as  a  volunteer,  he  displayed  in  this  campaign,  on 
many  occasions,  the  greatest  courage  and  military  ability.  At 
the  opening  of  the  campaign  in  1776,  on  the  promotion  of  Gen. 
Gates,  he  was  advanced,  at  the  special  recommendation  of  Gen. 
Washington,  to  the  post  of  adjutant  general,  and  bore  an  active 
part  in  this  campaign,  his  local  knowledge  o(  the  country  being 


JOSEPH  REED.  257 

eminently  useful  in  the  affair  at  Trenton,  and  at  the  battle  of 
Princeton:  in  the  course  of  these  events,  and  the  constant  fol- 
lower of  his  fortunes,  he  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  esteem  of 
the  commander-in-chief.  At  the  end  of  the  year  he  resigned 
the  office  of  adjutant-general,  and  was  immediately  appointed 
a  general  officer,  with  a  view  to  the  command  of  cavalry,  but 
owing  to  the  difficulty  of  raising  troops,  and  the  very  detached 
parties  in  which  they  were  employed,  he  was  prevented  from 
acting  in  that  station.  He  still  attended  the  army,  and  from 
the  entrance  of  the  British  army  into  Pennsylvania,  till  the  close 
of  the  campaign  in  1777,  he  was  seldom  absent.  He  was  enga- 
ged at  the  battle  of  Germantown,  and  at  White  Marsh,  assisted 
General  Potter  in  drawing  up  the  militia.  In  1778,  he  was 
appointed  a  member  of  congress,  and  signed  the  articles  of  con- 
federation. 

About  this  time  the  British  commissioners,  Governor  John- 
stone, Lord  Carlisle,  and  Mr.  Eden,  invested  with  power  to 
treat  of  peace,  arrived  in  America,  and  Governor  Johnstone, 
the  principal  of  them,  addressed  private  letters  to  Henry  Lau- 
rens, Joseph  Reed,  Francis  Dana,  and  Robert  Morris,  offering 
them  many  advantages  in  case  they  would  lend  themselves  to 
his  views.  Private  information  was  communicated  from  Gover- 
nor Johnstone  to  General  Reed,  that  in  case  he  would  exert  his 
abilities  to  promote  a  reconciliation,  10,000  pounds  sterling, 
and  the  most  valuable  office  in  the  colonies,  were  at  his  disposal; 
to  which  Mr.  Reed  made  this  memorable  reply: — "that  he  was 
not  worth  purchasing,  but  that,  such  as  he  was,  the  King  of  Great 
Britain  was  not  rich  enough  to  do  it.''''  These  transactions 
caused  a  resolution  in  congress,  by  which  they  refused  to  hold 
any  further  communication  with  that  commissioner.  Governor 
Johnstone,  on  his  return  to  England,  denied  in  Parliament,  ever 
having  made  such  offers,  in  consequence  of  which,  Gen.  Reed 
published  a  pamphlet,  in  which  the  whole  transaction  was  clearly 
and  satisfactorily  proved,  and  which  was  extensively  circulated 
both  in  England  and  America. 

In  1778,  he  was  unanimously  elected  president  of  the  supreme 
executive  council  of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  to  which  office 
33 


258  JOSEPH  REED. 

he  was  elected  annually,  with  equal  unanimity,  for  the  constitu- 
tional period  of  three  years.  About  this  time  there  existed 
violent  parties  in  the  state,  and  several  serious  commotions 
occurred,  particularly  a  large  armed  insurrection,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  which  he  suppressed,  and  rescued  a  number  of 
distinguished  citizens  from  the  most  imminent  danger  of  their 
lives  at  the  risk  of  his  own,  for  which  he  received  a  vote  of 
thanks  from  the  legislature  of  the  state. 

At  the  time  of  the  defection  of  the  Pennsylvania  line,  Gov- 
ernor Reed  exerted  himself  strenuously  to  l?ring  back  the 
revolters,  in  which  he  ultimately  succeeded.  Amidst  the  most 
difficult  and  trying  scenes,  his  administration  exhibited  the  most 
disinterested  zeal  and  firmness  of  decision.  In  the  civil  part  of 
his  character,  his  knowledge  of  the  law  was  very  useful  in  a  new 
and  unsettled  government;  so  that,  although  he  found  in  it  no 
small  weakness  and  confusion,  he  left  it  at  the  expiration  of  his 
term  of  office,  in  as  much  tranquility  and  energy  as  could  be 
expected  from  the  time  and  circumstances  of  the  war.  In  the 
year  1781,  on  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office,  he  returned 
to  the  duties  of  his  profession. 

General  Reed  was  very  fortunate  in  his  military  career,  for, 
although  he  was  in  almost  every  engagement  in  the  northern 
and  eastern  section  of  the  union,  during  the  war,  he  never  was 
wounded ;  he  had  three  horses  killed  under  him,  one  at  the  battle 
of  Brandywine,  one  in  the  skirmish  at  White  Marsh,  and  one  at 
the  battle  of  Monmouth.  During  the  whole  of  the  war  he 
enjoyed  the  confidence  of  Generals  Washington,  Greene,  Wayne, 
Steuben,  La  Fayette,  and  many  others  of  the  most  distinguished 
characters  of  the  revolution,  with  whom  he  was  in  habits  of  the 
most  confidential  intercourse  and  correspondence.  The  friend- 
ship that  existed  between  General  Reed  and  General  Greene, 
is  particularly  mentioned  by  the  biographer  of  General  Greene. 
"  Among  the  many  inestimable  friends  who  attached  themselves 
to  him,  during  his  military  career,  there  was  no  one  whom 
General  Greene  prized  more,  or  more  justly,  than  the  late  Gov- 
ernor Reed  of  Pennsylvania.  It  was  before  this  gentleman  had 
immortalized  himself  by  his  celebrated  reply  to  the  agent  of 


PHILIP  SCHUYLER.  259 

>^F**  ■ 

corruption,  tl  *ese  two  distinguished  patriots  had  begun  to 
feel  for  each  other  the  sympathies  of  congenial  souls.  Mr. 
Reed  had  accompanied  General  Washington  to  Boston,  when 
he  first  took  command  of  the  American  army;  there  he  became 
acquainted  with  Greene,  and,  as  was  almost  invariably  the  case 
with  those  who  Decame  acquainted  with  him,  and  had  hearts  to 
acknowledge  his  worth,  a  friendship  ensued  which  lasted  with 
their  lives."  Had  the  life  of  General  Reed  been  sufficiently 
prolonged,  he  would  have  discharged,  in  a  manner  worthy  of 
the  subject,  the  debt  of  national  gratitude  to  which  the  efforts 
of  the  biographer  of  General  Greene  have  been  successfully 
dedicated,  who  had  in  his  possession  the  outlines  of  a  sketch  of 
the  life  of  Gen.  Greene  by  this  friend. 

In  the  year  1784,  he  again  visited  England  for  the  sake  of 
his  health,  but  his  voyage  was  attended  with  but  little  effect,  as 
in  the  following  year  he  fell  a  victim  to  a  disease,  most  probably 
brought  on  by  the  fatigue  and  exposure  to  which  he  was  con- 
stantly subjected.  In  private  life,  he  was  accomplished  in  his 
manners,  pure  in  his  morals,  fervent  and  faithful  in  his  attach- 
ments. 

On  the  5th  of  March,  1785,  in  the  43d  year  of  his  age,  too 
soon  for  his  country  and  his  friends,  he  departed  a  life,  active, 
useful,  and  glorious.  His  remains  were  interred,  in  the  Pres- 
byterian ground,  in  Arch-street,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
attended  by  the  President  and  executive  council,  and  the  speaker 
and  the  general  assembly  of  the  state."* 


PHILIP  SCHUYLER, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Array. 

Gen.  Schuyler  was  a  native  of  New- York,  a  member  of  one 
of  the  most  respectable  families  in  that  state,  and  highly  merits 
the  character  of  an  intelligent  and  meritorious  officer.  As  a 
private  gentleman,  he  was  digi  ified  but  courteous,  his  manners 

*  Amer.  Biographical  Dictionary. 


260  PHILIP  SCHUYLER. 

.. 

urbane,  and  his  hospitality  unbounded.     I  justly  consid- 

ered as  one  of  the  most  distinguished  champions  of  liberty,  and 
his  noble  mind  soared  above  despair,  even  at  a  period  when  he 
experienced  injustice  from  the  public,  and  when  darkness  and 
gloom  overspread  the  land.  He  was  able,  prompt,  and  decisive, 
and  his  conduct  in  every  branch  of  duty,  marked  his  active 
industry  and  rapid  execution. 

He  received  his  commission  from  congress,  June  19th,  1776, 
and  was  ordered  to  take  command  of  the  expedition  against 
Canada;  but,  being  taken  sick,  the  command  devolved  upon 
Gen.  Montgomery.  On  his  recovery  he  devoted  his  time,  and 
with  the  assistance  of  Gen.  St.  Clair,  used  every  effort  to  stay 
the  progress  of  a  veteran  and  numerous  army  under  Burgoyne, 
who  had  commenced  his  march  from  Canada,  on  the  bold 
attempt  of  forming  a  junction  at  Albany  with  Sir  Henry  Clinton. 

The  duties  of  Gen.  Schuyler  now  became  laborious,  intricate, 
and  complicated.  On  his  arrival  at  head-quarters  he  found  the 
army  of  the  north  not  only  too  weak  for  the  objects  intrusted  to 
it,  but  also  badly  supplied  with  arms,  clothes,  and  provisions. 
From  a  spv  he  obtained  information  that  General  Burgoyne  had 
arrived  at  Quebec,  and  was  to  take  command  of  the  British 
force  on  their  contemplated  expedition. 

"  A  few  days  removed  the  doubts  which  might  have  existed 
respecting  the  intentions  of  Burgoyne.  It  was  understood  that 
his  army  was  advancing  towards  the  lakes. 

General  Schuyler  was  sensible  of  the  danger  which  threat- 
ened his  department,  and  made  every  exertion  to  meet  it.  He 
visited  in  person  the  different  posts,  used  the  utmost  activity  in 
obtaining  supplies  of  provisions  to  enable  them  to  hold  out  in 
the  event  of  a  siege,  and  had  proceeded  to  Albany  both  for  the 
purpose  of  attending  to  the  supplies  and  of  expediting  the 
march  of  Nixon's  brigade,  whose  arrival  was  expected ;  when 
he  received  intelligence  from  Gen.  St.  Clair,  who  was  intrusted 
with  the  defence  of  Ticonderoga,  that  Burgoyne  had  appeared 
before  that  place. 

In  the  course  of  the  preceding  winter  a  plan  for  penetrating 
to  the  Hudson  from  Canada  by  the  way  of  the  lakes,  was  com- 


PHILIP  SCHUYLER.  ft 

pletely  digestinir<-  .  its  most  minute  parts  arranged  in  the  cab- 
inet of  St.  James.  Gen.  Burgoyne,  who  assisted  in  forming  it, 
was  intrusted  with  its  execution,  and  was  to  lead  a  formidable 
army  against  Ticonderoga,  as  soon  as  the  season  would  permit. 
At  the  same  time  a  smaller  party,  under  Col.  St.  Leger,  compo- 
sed of  Canadians,  new  raised  Americans,  and  a  few  Europeans, 
aided  by  a  powerful  body  of  Indians,  was  to  march  from  Oswego 
to  enter  the  country  by  the  way  of  the  Mohawk,  and  to  join  the 
grand  army  on  the  Hudson. 

The  force  assigned  for  this  service  was  such  as  the  General 
himself  deemed  sufficient;  and,  as  it  was  the  favorite  plan  of 
the  minister,  no  circumstance  was  omitted  which  could  give  to 
the  numbers  employed  their  utmost  possible  efficacy.  The 
troops  were  furnished  with  every  military  equipment  which  the 
service  required;  the  assisting  general  officers  were  of  the  first 
reputation,  and  the  train  of  artillery  was,  perhaps,  the  most 
powerful  ever  annexed  to  an  army  not  more  numerous."* 

But  valor,  perseverance,  and  industry  could  avail  nothing 
against  such  vast  numbers  as  now  assailed  the  northern  army. 
Ticonderoga  was  evacuated,  and  stores,  artillery,  and  military 
equipage  to  an  immense  amount,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy. 

"  Knowing  the  inferiority  of  his  numbers,  and  that  he  could 
only  hope  to  save  his  army  by  the  rapidity  of  his  march,  Gen. 
St.  Clair  reached  Charlestown,  thirty  miles  from  Ticonderoga, 
on  the  night  succeeding  the  evacuation  of  the  fort. 

On  the  7th  of  July,  at  Stillwater,  on  hi9  way  to  Ticonderoga, 
General  Schuyler  was  informed  of  the  evacuation  of  that  place; 
and  on  the  same  day,  at  Saratoga,  the  total  loss  of  the  stores  at 
Skeensborough,  was  also  reported  to  him.  From  General  St. 
Clair  he  had  heard  nothing,  and  the  most  serious  fears  were 
entertained  for  the  army  commanded  by  that  officer.  His  force, 
after  being  joined  by  Col.  Long,  consisted  of  about  fifteen  hun- 
dred continental  troops,  and  the  same  number  of  militia.  They 
were  dispirited  by  defeat,  without  tents,  badly  armed,  and  had 
lost  a  great  part  of  their  stores  and  baggage.     That  part  of  the 

♦Annual  Register. 


262  PHILIP  SCHUYLER. 

country  was  generally  much  alarmed,  and  eve  ">se  who  were 
well  affected,  discovered,  as  is  usual  in  such  circumstances,  more 
inclination  to  take  care  of  themselves,  than  to  join  the  army. 

In  this  gloomy  state  of  things,  it  is  impossible  that  any  officer 
could  have  used  more  diligence  or  judgment  than  was  displayed 
by  Schuyler. 

After  the  evacuation  of  Fort  Anne,  Burgoyne  found  it  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  suspend  for  a  time  all  further  pursuit,  and  to 
give  his  army  some  refreshment. 

In  the  present  state  of  things,  unable  even  to  look  the  enemy 
in  the  face,  it  was  of  unspeakable  importance  to  the  American 
general  to  gain  time.  -  This  short  and  unavoidable  interval  from 
action,  therefore,  was  seized  by  Schuyler,  whose  head-quarters 
were  at  Fort  Edward,  and  used  to  the  utmost  advantage. 

The  country  between  Skeensborough  and  Fort  Edward  was 
almost  entirely  unsettled,  covered  with  thick  woods,  of  a  surface 
extremely  rough,  and  much  intersected  with  creeks  and  moras- 
ses. As  far  as  Fort  Anne,  Wood-creek  was  navigable  with 
batteaux;  and  artillery,  military  stores,  provisions,  and  heavy 
J>  iggage,  might  be  transported  up  it. 

The  first  moments  of  rest  while  Burgoyne  was  re-assembling 
his  forces  at  Skeensborough,  were  employed  by  Schuyler  in 
destroying  the  navigation  of  Wood-creek,  by  sinking  numerous 
impediments  in  its  course;  and  in  breaking  up  the  bridges,  and 
otherwise  rendering  impassible  the  roads  over  which  the  British 
armv  must  necessarily  march.  He  was  also  indefatigable  in 
driving  all  the  live-stock  out  of  the  way,  and  in  bringing  from 
Fort  George  to  Fort  Edward,  ammunition  and  other  military 
stores  which  had  been  deposited  at  that  place,  of  which  his 
army  was  in  much  need,  and  which  it  was  essential  to  bring 
away  before  the  British  could  remove  their  gun-boats  and  army 
into  the  lake,  and  possess  themselves  of  the  fort. 

While  thus  endeavoring  to  obstruct  the  march  of  the  enemy, 
he  was  not  inattentive  to  the  best  means  of  strengthening  his 
own  army.  Reinforcements  of  regular  troops  were  earnestly 
solicited.  The  militia  of  New-England  and  New- York  were 
called  for,  and  all  his  influence  in  the  surrounding  country  was 


PHILIP  SCHUYLER.  2G3 

exerted  to  re-animate  the  people,  and  to  prevent  their  defection 
from  the  American  cause. 

The  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga  was  a  shock  for  which  no 
part  of  the  United  States  was  prepared.  Neither  the  strength 
of  the  invading  army  nor  of  the  garrison  had  been  any  where 
understood.  The  opinion  was  common  that  no  reinforcements 
had  arrived  at  Quebec  that  spring,  in  which  case  it  was  believed 
that  not  more  than  five  thousand  men  could  be  spared  from  the 
defence  of  Canada.  Those  new-raised  regiments  of  New-Eng- 
land and  New- York,  which  had  been  allotted  to  the  northern 
department,  had  been  reported,  and  were  believed  by  the  com- 
mander-in-chief, and  by  congress,  as  well  as  by  the  community  at 
large,  to  contain  a  much  greater  number  of  effectives  than  they 
were  found  actually  to  comprehend.  In  addition  to  these,  the 
officer  commanding  the  garrison,  was  empowered  to  call  to  his 
aid  such  bodies  of  militia  as  he  might  deem  necessary  for  the 
defence  of  his  post.  A  very  few  days  before  the  place  was 
invested,  General  Schuyler,  from  an  inspection  of  the  muster 
rolls,  had  stated  the  garrison  to  amount  to  live  thousand  men, 
and  the  supply  of  provisions  to  be  abundant.  When,  therefore* 
it  was  understood  that  a  place,  on  the  fortifications  of  which 
much  money  and  labor  had  been  expended ;  which  was  consid- 
ered as  the  key  to  the  whole  western  country,  and  supposed  to 
contain  a«garrison  neatly  equal  to  the  invading  army,  had  been 
abandoned  without  a  siege;  that  an  immense  train  of  artillery, 
consisting  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  pieces,  and  all  the 
baggage,  military  stores,  and  provisions,  had  either  fallen  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy,  or  been  destroyed ;  that  the  army  on  its 
retreat  had  been  attacked,  defeated,  and  dispersed;  astonish- 
ment pervaded  all  ranks  of  men;  and  the  conduct  of  the  offi- 
cers was  almost  universally  condemned.  Congress  directed  a 
recall  of  all  the  generals  of  the  department, and  an  inquiry  into 
their  conduct.  Through  New-England  especially,  the  most 
malignant  aspersions  were  cast  on  them,  and  General  Schuyler, 
who,  from  some  unknown  cause,  had  never  been  viewed  with 
favor  in  that  part  of  the  continent,  was  involved  in  the  common 
charges  of  treachery,  to  which  this  accumulation  of  unlooked 


264  PHILIP  SCHUYLER. 


for  calamity  was  very  generally  attributed  by  the  mass  of  the 
people. 

On  the  representations  of  Gen.  Washington,  the  recall  of  the 
officers  was  suspended  until  he  should  be  of  opinion  that  the 
state  of  things  would  admit  of  such  a  measure;  and  on  a  very 
full  inquiry  afterward  made  into  the  conduct  of  the  generals, 
they  were  acquitted  of  all  blame. 

When  the  resolutions  were  passed,  directing  an  inquiry  into 
the  conduct  of  Schuyler  and  St.  Clair,  appointing  a  committee 
to  report  on  the  mode  of  conducting  the  inquiry,  and,  in  the 
meanwhile,  recalling  them  and  all  the  brigadiers  who  had 
served  in  that  department,  Gen.  Washington  was  requested  to 
name  a  successor  to  Schuyler.  On  his  expressing  a  wish  to  decline 
this  nomination,  and  representing  the  inconvenience  of  removing 
all  the  general  officers,  Gates  was  again  directed  to  repair 
thither  and  take  the  command;  and  the  resolution  to  recall  the 
brigadiers  was  suspended,  until  the  commander-in-chief  should 
be  of  opinion  that  it  might  be  carried  into  effect  with  safety. 

Schuyler  retained  the  command  until  the  arrival  of  Gates, 
which  was  about  the  21st  of  August,  and  continued  his  exer- 
tions to  restore  the  affairs  of  the  department,  which  had  been 
so  much  depressed  by  the  losses  consequent  on  the  evacuation 
of  Ticonderoga.  That  officer  felt  acutely  the  disgrace  of  being 
recalled  in  this  critical  and  interesting  state  of  the  campaign. 
"It  is,"  said  he  in  a  letter  to  the  commander-in  chief,  "matter 
of  extreme  chagrin  to  me,  to  be  deprived  of  the  command  at  a 
time  when,  soon  if  ever,  we  shall  probably  be  enabled  to  face 
the  enemy ;  when  we  are  on  the  point  of  taking  ground*  where 
they  must  attack  to  a  disadvantage,  should  our  force  be  inade- 
quate to  facing  them  in  the  field;  when  an  opportunity  will  in 
all  probability  occur,  in  which  I  might  evince  that  I  am  not  what 
congress  have  too  plainly  insinuated  by  the  resolution  taking 
the  command  from  me." 

If  error  be  attributed  to  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga,  cer- 
tainly no  portion  of  it  was  committed  by  Schuyler.     His  remo- 

— *—  • 
*  The  island  on  the  north  of  the  Mohawk. 


PHILIP  SCHUYLER.  26S 

ral  from  the  command  was  probably  unjust  and  severe,  as  the 
measure  respected  himself."  * 

The  patriotism  and  magnanimity  displayed  by  the  ex-general, 
on  this  occasion,  does  him  high  honor.  All  that  could  have 
been  effected  to  impede  the  progress  of  the  British  army,  had 
been  done  already.  Bridges  were  broken  up,  causeways 
destroyed,  trees  felled  in  every  direction  to  retard  the  convey- 
ance of  stores  and  artillery. 

"  On  Gates'  arrival,  General  Schuyler,  without  the  slightest 
indication  of  ill  humor,  resigned  his  command,  communicated 
all  the  intelligence  he  possessed,  and  put  every  interesting  paper 
into  his  hands,  simply  adding,  "I  have  done  all  that  could  be 
done,  as  far  as  the  means  were  in  my  power,  to  injure  the  enemy 
and  to  inspire  confidence  in  the  soldiers  of  our  own  army,  and 
I  flatter  myself  with  some  success;  but1  the  palm  of  victory  is 
denied  me,  and  it  is  left  to  you,  General,  to  reap  the  fruits  of  my 
labors.  1  will  not  fail,  however,  to  second  your  views;  and  my 
devotion  to  my  country  will  cause  me  with  alacrity  to  obey  all 
your  orders."  He  performed  his  promise,  and  faithfully  did  his 
duty,  till  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne  put  an  end  to  the  contest. 

Another  anecdote  is  recorded  to  his  honor.  Gen.  Burgoyne, 
dining  with  General  Gates,  immediately  after  the  convention  of 
Saratoga,  and  hearing  Gen.  Schuyler  named  among  the  officers 
presented  to  him,  thought  it  necessary  to  apologise  for  the 
destruction  of  his  elegant  mansion  a  few  days  before,  by  his 
orders.  "Make  no  excuses,  General,"  was  the  reply;  "I  feel 
myself  more  than  compensated  by  the  pleasure  of  meeting  you  at 
this  table."! 

The  court  of  inquiry,  instituted  on  the  conduct  of  General? 
Schuyler  and  St.  Clair,  resulted  with  the  highest  honour  to 
them. 

Gen.  Schuyler,  though  not  invested  with  any  distinct  com- 
mand, continued  to  render  important  services  in  the  military 
transactions  of  New- York,  until  the  close  of  the  war. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  old  congress;  and  represented  the 


Marshall's  Life  of  Washington- 
t  Garden's  Anecdotes 

34 


266"  JOHN   STARK. 

atate  of  New- York  in  the  senate  of  the  United  States,  when  ther 
present  government  commenced  its  operations.  In  1797  be  \\  as 
again  appointed  a  senator. 

He  died  at  Albany,  Nov.  1 8th,  1 804,  in  the  seventy-third  year 
of  his  age. 


JOHN   STARK, 

Brigadier-general  in  the  American  Army. 

General  Stark  was  a  native  of  New-Hampshire,  and  was 
was  born  in  Londonderry,  August  17th,  1728.  From  his  earl\ 
youth  he  had  been  accustomed  to  the  alarm  of  war,  having 
lived  in  that  \  art  of  the-country  which  was  continually  sub- 
ject to  the  incursions  of  the  savages.  While  a  child  he  war- 
captured  by  them,  and  adopted  as  one  of  their  own;  but  after 
a  few  years  was  restored. 

Arrived  at  manhood,  his  manners  were  plain,  honest,  and 
severe;  excellently  calculated  for  the  benefit  of  society  in  the 
private  walks  of  fife;  and  as  a  courageous  and  heroic  soldier, 
he  is  entitled  to  a  high  rank  among  those  who  have  been  crowned 
with  unfading  laurels,  and  to  whom  a  large  share  of  glory  is 
justly  due.  He  was  captain  of  a  company  of  rangers  in  the 
provincial  service,  during  the  French  war  in  1755. 

From  the  commencement  of  the  difficulties  with  the  mother 
country,  until  the  closing  scene  of  the  revolution,  our  country 
found  in  General  Stark  one  of  its  most  resolute,,  independent, 
and  persevering  defenders.  The  first  call  of  his  country  found 
him  ready.  When  the  report  of  Lexington  battle  reached  him, 
he  was  engaged  at  work  in  bis  saw-mill:  fired  with  indignation 
and  a  martial  spirit,  he  immediately  seized  his  musket,  and  with 
a  band  of  heroes  proceeded  to  Cambridge.  The  morning  after 
his  arrival  he  received  a  colonel's  commission,  and  availing  him- 
self of  his  own  popularity,  and  the  enthusiasm  of  the  day,  in 
two  hours  he  enlisted  eight  hundred  men.  On  the  memorable 
17th  of  June,  at  Breed's  Hill,  Colonel  Stark,  at  the  head  of  his 
back-woodsmen  of  New-Hampshire,  poured  on  the  enemy  that 


JOHN  STARK.  267 

deadly  fire  from  a  sure  aim,  which  effected  such  remarkable 
destruction  in  their  ranks,  and  compelled  them  twice  to  retreat. 
During  the  whole  of  this  dreadful  conflict,  Colonel  Stark  evin- 
ced that  consummate  bravery  and  intrepid  zeal,  which  entitle 
his  name  to  perpetual  remembrance. 

His  spirit  pervaded  his  native  state,  and  excited  them  to  the 
most  patriotic  efforts.  The  British  General  Bargoyne,  in  one 
of  his  letters  observes, — "  That  the  Hampshire  Grants,  almost 
unknown  in  the  last  war,  now  abound  in  the  most  active  and 
most  .rebellious  race  on  the  continent,  and  hang  like  a  gathering 
storm  upon  my  left." 

Distinct  from  his  efforts  in  rallying  the  energies  of  his  native 
state,  he  obtained  great  credit  in  the  active  operations  of  the 
field.  At  that  gloomy  period  of  the  revolution,  the  retreat  of 
Washington  through  New-Jersey  in  1776,  when  the  saviour  of 
our  country,  apparently  deserted  of  Heaven  and  by  his  country, 
with  the  few  gallant  spirits  who  gathered  the  closer  around  him 
in  that  dark  hour,  precipitately  fled  before  an  imperious  and 
victorious  enemy — it  was  on  this  occasion,  that  the  persevering 
valor  of  Stark  enrolled  him  among  the  firm  and  resolute  defend- 
ers of  their  country;  and,  with  them,  entitles  him  to  her  unceas- 
ing gratitude. 

But  as  he  fearlessly  shared  with  Washington  the  dark  and 
•gloomy  night  of  defeat,  so  also  he  participated  with  him  in  the 
joy  of  a  bright  morning  of  victory  and  hope.  In  the  successful 
enterprise  against  Trenton,  Stark,  then  a  colonel,  acted  a  con- 
spicuous part,  and  covered  himself  with  glory.  Gen.  Wilkinson 
in  his  memoirs  says, — "  1  must  not  withhold  due  praise  from  the 
dauntless  Stark,  who  dealt  death  wherever  he  found  resistance, 
and  broke  down  all  opposition  before  him." 

Soon  after  this  alfair,  Col.  Stark,  from  some  supposed  injustice 
toward  him  on  the  part  of  congress,  quitted  the  continental  ser- 
vice, and  returned  to  New-Hampshire. 

"  When  he  was  urged  by  the  government  of  New-Hampshire 
to  take  the  command  of  their  militia,  he  refused,  unless  he  should 
be  left  at  liberty  to  serve  or  not,  under  a  continental  officer,  as 
he  should  judge  proper.     It  was  not  a  time  for  debate,  and  it  was 


268  JOHN  STARK. 

known  that  the  militia  would  follow  wherever  Stark  would  lead.. 
The  assembly  therefore  invested  him  with  a  separate  command, 
and  gave  him  orders  to  "repair  to  Charlestown,on  Connecticut 
River;  there  to  consult  with  a  committee  of  the  New-Hamp- 
shire Grants,  respecting  his  future  operations,  and  the  supply  of 
his  men  with  provisions;  to  take  command  of  the  militia,  and 
march  into  the  Grants;  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  troops  of 
that  new  state,  or  any  other  of  the  states,  or  of  the  United 
States,  or  separately,  as  should  appear  expedient  to  him;  for 
the  protection  of  the  people,  and  the  annoyance  of  the  enemy."* 
Agreeably  to  his  orders,  Stark  proceeded  in  a  few  days  to 
Charlestown;  his  men  very  readily  followed;  and  as  fast  as  they 
arrived,  he  sent  them  forward  to  join  the  troops  of  Vermont 
under  Colonel  Warner,  who  had  taken  his  situation  at  Man- 
chester. At  that  place  he  joined  Warner  with  about  800  men 
from  New-Hampshire,  and  found  another  body  of  men  from 
Vermont,  who  put  themselves  under  his  command;  and  he  was 
at  the  head  of  fourteen  hundred  men.  Most  of  them  had  been 
in  the  two  former  campaigns,  and  weH  officered;  and  were  in 
every  respect  a  body  of  very  good  troops.  ^Bchuyler  repeatedly 
urged  Stark  to  join  the  troops  under  his  command;  but  he 
declined  complying.  He  was  led  to  this  conduct  not  only  by 
the  reasons  which  have  been  mentioned,  but  by  a  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  the  best  method  of  opposing  Burgoyne.  Schuyler 
wished  to  collect  all  the  American  troops  in  the  front,  to  prevent 
Burgoyne  from  marching  on  to  Albany.  Stark  was  of  opinion 
that  the  surest  way  to  check  Burgoyne  was  to  have  a  body  of 
men  on  his  rear;  ready  to  fall  upon  him  in  that  quarter,  when- 
ever a  favorable  opportunity  should  present.  The  New-Eng- 
land militia  had  not  formed  a  high  opinion  of  Schuyler,  as  a 
general;  and  Stark  meant  to  keep  himself  in  a  situation,  in 
which  he  might  embrace  any  favorable  opportunity  for  action, 
either  in  conjunction  with  him,  or  otherwise;  and  with  that 
view  intended  to  hang  on  the  rear  of  the  British  troops,  and 
embrace  the  first  opportunity  which  should  present,  to  make  an 
attack  upon  that  quarter.     But  Stark  assured  Schuyler  that  he 

*  Bclknap'sjiist.  New-Hfuup&hire,  "* 


JOHN  STARK.  261) 

would  join  in  any  measure  necessary  to  promote  the  public  good, 
but  wished  to  avoid  any  thing  that  was  not  consistent  with  his  own, 
honor;  and  if  it  was  thought  necessary,  he  would  march  to  his 
camp.  He  wrote  particularly,  that  he  would  lay  aside  all  pri- 
vate resentment,  when  it  appeared  in  opposition  to  the  public 
good.  But  in  the  midst  of  these  protestations,  he  was  watching 
for  an  opportunity  to  discover  his  courage  and  patriotism,  by 
falling  upon  some  part  of  Burgoyne's  army. 

While  the  American  army  was  thus  assuming  a  more  respect- 
able appearance,  General  Burgoyne  was  making  very  slow 
advances  towards  Albany.  "  From  the  twenty-eighth  of  July  to 
the  fifteenth  of  August,  the  British  army  was  continually  em- 
ployed in  bringing  forward  batteaux,  provisions,  and  ammuni- 
tion from  Fort  George  to  the  first  navigable  part  of  Hudson's 
River:  a  distance  of  not  more  than  eighteen  miles.  The  labor 
was  excessive:  the  Europeans  were  but  little  acquainted  with 
the  methods  of  performing  it  to  advantage,  and  the  effect  was  in 
no  degree  equivalent  to  the  expense  of  labor  and  time.  With 
all  the  efforts  that  Burgoyne  could  make,  encumbered  with  his 
artillery  and  baggage,  his  labors  were  inadequa<e  to  the  purpose 
of  supplying  the  army  with  provisions  for  its  daily  consumption, 
and  the  establishment  of  the  necessary  magazines.  And  after 
his  utmost  exertions  for  fifteen  days,  there  were  not  above  four 
days'  provisions  in  the  store,  nor  above  ten  batteaux  in  Hudson's 
river. 

In  such  circumstances,  the  British  general  found  that  it  would 
be  impossible  to  procure  sufficient  supplies  of  provisions  by  the 
way  of  Fort  George,  and  determined  to  replenish  his  own  maga- 
zines, at  the  expense  of  those  of  the  Americans.  Having  recei- 
ved information  that  a  large  quantity  of  stores  were  laid  up  at 
Bennington,  and  guarded  only  by  the  militia,  he  formed  the 
design  of  surprising  that  place;  and  was  made  to  believe  that 
as  soon  as  a  detachment  of  the  royal  army  should  appear  in  that 
quarter,  it  would  receive  effectual  assistance  from  a  large  body 
of  loyalists,  who  only  waited  for  the  appearance  of  a  support, 
and  would  in  that  event  come  forward  and  aid  the  royal  cause. 
Full  of  these  expectations,  he  detached  Col.  Baum,  a  German 


£270  JOHN  STAKE. 

officer,  with  a  select  body  of  troops,  to  surprise  the  place.  His 
force  consisted  of  about  live  hundred  regular  troops,  some  Cana- 
dians, and  more  than  one  hundred  Indians,  with  two  light  pieces 
of  artillery.  To  facilitate  their  operations,  and  to  be  ready  to 
take  advantage  of  the  success  of  the  detachment,  the  royal 
army  moved  along  the  east  bank  of  Hudson's  river,  and  en- 
camped nearly  opposite  to  Saratoga;  having  at  the  6ame  time 
thrown  a  bridge  of  rafts  over  the  river,  by  which  the  army 
passed  to  that  place.  With  a  view  to  support  Baum,  if  it  should 
be  found  necessary,  lieutenant-colonel  Breyman's  corps,  consist- 
ing of  the  Brunswick  grenadiers,  light  infantry,  and  chasseurs 
were  posted  at  Battenkill. 

Gen.  Stark  having  received  information  that  a  party  of  Indians 
were  at  Cambridge,  sent  lieutenant-colonel  Greg,  on  August  the 
13th,  with  a  party  of  two  hundred  men,  to  stop  their  progress. 
Toward  night  he  was  informed  by  express  that  a  large  body  of 
regulars  was  in  the  rear  of  the  Indians,  and  advancing  toward 
Bennington.  On  this  intelligence,  Stark  drew  together  his  brig- 
ade, and  the  militia  that  were  at  hand,  and  seat  on  to  Manches- 
ter to  Col.  Warner,  to  bring  on  his  regiment;  he  sent  expresses 
at  the  same  time  to  the  neighboring  militia,  to  join  him  with  the 
utmost  speed.  On  the  morning  of  the  14th,  he  marched  with 
his  troops,  and  at  the  distance  of  seven  miles  he  met  Greg  on 
the  retreat,  and  the  enemy  within  a  mile  of  him.  Stark  drew 
up  his  troops  in  order  of; battle;  but  the  enemy  coming  in  sight, 
halted  upon  a  very  advantageous  piece  of  ground.  Baum  per- 
ceived the  Americans  were  too  strong  to  be  attacked  with  his 
present  force,  and  sent  an  express  to  Burgoyne  with  an  account 
of  his  situation,  and  to  have  Breyman  march  immediately  to  sup- 
port him.  In  the  mean  lime  small  parties  of  the  Americans 
kept  up  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy,  killed  and  wounded  thirty  of 
them,  with  two  of  their  Indian  chiefs,  without  any  loss  to  them- 
selves. The  ground  the  Americans  had  taken,  was  unfavorable 
for  a  general  action,  and  Stark  retreated  about  a  mile,  and 
encamped.  A  council  of  war  was  held,  and  it  was  agreed  to 
send  two  detachments  upon  the  enemy's  rear,  while  the  rest  of 
Jthe  troops  should  make  an  attack  upon  their  front.     The  next 


JOHN  STARK.  371 

day  the  weather  was  rainy,  and  though  it  prevented  a  general 
action,  there  were  frequent  skirmishes  in  small  parties,  which 
proved  favorable  and  encouraging  to  the  Americans. 

On  August  the  sixteenth,  in  the  morning,  Stark  was  joined 
by  Col.  Symonds  and  a  body  of  militia  from  Berkshire,  and 
proceeded  to  attack  the  enemy,  agreeably  to  the  plan  which 
had  been  concerted.  Colonel  Baum  in  the  meantime  had  en- 
trenched, on  an  advantageous  piece  of  ground  near  St.  Koicks 
mills,  on  a  branch  of  Hoosic  river;  and  rendered  his  post  as 
strong  as  his  circumstances  and  situation  would  admit.  Col. 
Nichols  was  detached  with  two  hundred  men  to  the  rear  of  his 
left,  Col.  Herrick  with  three  hundred  men  to  the  rear  of  his 
right;  both  were  to  join,  and  then  make  the  attack.  Colonels 
Hubbard  and  Stickney,  with  two  hundred  men,  were  ordered 
on  the  right,  and  one  hundred  were  advanced  toward  the  front 
to  draw  the  attention  of  the  enemy  that  way.  About  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  troops  had  taken  their  station,  and 
Avere  ready  to  commence  the  action.  While  Nichols  and  Her- 
rick were  bringing  their  troops  together,  the  Indians  were 
alarmed  at  the  prospect,  and  pushed  off  between  the  two  corps; 
but  received  a  tire  as  they  were  passing,  by  which  three  of  them 
were  killed  and  two  wounded.  Nichols  then  began  the  attack, 
and  was  followed  by  all  the  other  divisions;  those  in  the  front 
immediately  advanced,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  action  became 
general.  It  lastgd  about  two  hours,  and  was  like  one  continued 
peal  of  thunder:  Baum  made  a  brave  defence;  and  the  Ger- 
man dragoons,  after  they  had  expended  their  ammunition,  led 
by  their  Colonel,  charged  with  their  swords,  but  they  were  soon 
overpowered.  Their  works  were  carried  on  all  sides,  their  two 
►pieces  of  cannon  were  taken,  Col.  Baum  himself  was  mortally 
wounded  and  taken  prisoner,  and  all  his  men,  except  a  few,  who 
had  escaped  into  the  woods,  were  cither  killed  or  taken  pris- 
oners. Having  completed  the  business  by  taking  the  whole 
party,  the  militia  began  to  disperse  and  look  out  for  plunder. 
But  in  a  {cw  minutes  Stark  received  information  that  a  large 
reinforcement  was  on  their  mjirch,  and  within  two  miles  of  him. 
Fortunately  at  that  moment  colonel  Warner  came  up  with  his- 


27$  JOHN  STARK. 

regiment  from  Manchester.  This  brave  and  experienced  officer 
commanded  a  regiment  of  continental  troops,  which  had  been 
raised  in  Vermont.  Mortified  that  he  had  not  been  in  the  for- 
mer engagement,  he  instantly  led  on  his  men  against  Breyman, 
and  began  the  second  engagement.  Stark  collected  the  militia 
as  soon  as  possible,  and  pushed  on  to  his  assistance.  The  action 
became  general,  and  the  battle  continued  obstinate  on  both 
sides  till  sunset,  when  the  Germans  were  forced  to  give  way* 
and  were  pursued  till  dark.  They  left  their  two  field  pieces 
behind,  and  a  considerable  number  were  made  prisoners.  They 
retreated  in  the  best  manner  they  could,  improving  the  advanta- 
ges of  the  evening  and  night,  to  which  alone  their  escape  was 
ascribed. 

In  these  actions  the  Americans  took  four  brass  field-pieces, 
twelve  brass  drums,  two  hundred  and  fifty  dragoon  swords,  four 
amunition  wagons,  and  about  seven  hundred  prisoners,  with 
their  arms  and  accoutrements.  Two  hundred  and  seven  men 
were  found  dead  upon  the  spot,  the  numbers  of  wounded  wrere 
unknown.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  but  small;  thirty 
were  slain,  and  about  forty  were  wounded.  Stark  was  not  a  lit- 
tle pleased  at  having  so  fair  an  opportunity  to  vindicate  his  own 
conduct.  He  had  now  shown  that  no  neglect  from  congress  had 
made  him  disaffected  to  the  American  cause^  and  that  he  had 
rendered  a  much  more  important  service  than  he  could  have 
done  by  joining  Schuyler,  and  remaining  inactive  in  his  camp. 
Congress  embraced  the  opportunity  to  assign 'to  him  his  rank, 
and  though  he  had  not  given  to  them  any  account  of  his  vic- 
tory, or  wrote  to  them  at  all  upon  the  subject,  on  October  the 
fourth  they  resolved, — "That  the  thanks  of  Congress  be  pre- 
sented to  General  Stark  of  the  New  Hampshire  militia,  and 
the  officers  and  troops  under  his  command,  for  their  brave,  and 
successful  attack  upon,  and  signal  victory  over,  the  enemy  in 
their  lines  at  Bennington:  and  that  brigadier  Stark  be  appointed 
u  brigadier  general  in  the  army  of  the  United  Stales.*'  And 
never  were  thanks  more  deserved,  or  more  wisely  given  to  a 
military  officer.* 

*  Williams'  Vermont. 


JOHN  STARK.  273 

"  In  his  official  account  of  the  affair,  Gen.  Stark  thus  writes: 
"It  lasted  two  hours,  the  hottest  I  ever  saw  in  my  life;  it  repre- 
sented one  continued  clap  of  thunder:  however,  the  enemy 
were  obliged  to  give  way,  and  leave  their  field-pieces,  and  all 
their  baggage  behind  them;  they  were  all  environed  within 
two  breast-works  with  artillery;  but  our  martial  courage  proved 
too  strong  for  them.  I  then  gave  orders  to  rally  again,  in  order 
to  secure  the  victory;  but  in  a  few  minutes  was  informed  that 
there  was  a  large  reinforcement  on  their  march  within  two 
miles.  Colonel  Warner's  regiment,  luckily  coming  up  at  the 
moment,  renewed  the  attack  with  fresh  vigor.  I  pushed  for- 
ward as  many  of  the  men  as  I  could  to  their  assistance ;  the 
battle  continued  obstinate  on  both  sides  until  sunset;  the  enemy 
was  obliged  to  retreat;  we  pursued  them  till  dark,  and  had  day 
lasted  an  hour  longer,  should  have  taken  the  whole  body  of 
them." 

.  "  On  what  small  events  does  the  popular  humor  and  military 
success  depend!  The  capture  of  one  thousand  Germans  by 
Gen.  Washington  at  Trenton  had  served  to  wake  up,  and  save 
the  whole  continent.  The  exploit  of  Stark  at  Bennington,  oper- 
ated with  the  same  kind  of  influence,  and  produced  a  similar 
effect.  This  victory  was  the  first  event  that  had  proved  encou- 
raging to  the  Americans  in  the  northern  department,  since  the 
death  of  Gen.  Montgomery.  Misfortune  had  succeded  misfor- 
tune, and  defeat  had  followed  defeat  from  that  period  till  now. 
The  present  instance  wal  the  first,  in  which  victory  had  quitted 
the  royal  standard,  or  seemed  even  to  be  wavering.  She  was 
now  found  with  the  American  arms,  and  the  effect  seemed  in 
fact  to  be  greater  than  the  cause.  It  raised  the  spirit  of  the 
country  to  an  uncommon  degree  of  animation ;  and  by  showing 
the  militia  what  they  could  perform,  rendered  them  willing  and 
desirous  to  turn  out  and  try  what  fortunes  would  await  their 
exertions.  It  had  a  still  greater  effect  on  the  royal  army. 
The  British  generals  were  surprised  to  hear  that  an  enemy, 
whom  they  had  contemplated  with  no  other  feelings  than  those 
of  contempt,  should  all  at  once  wake  up,  and  discover  much  of 
the  spirit  of  heroism.  To  advance  upon  the  mouth  of  cannon, 
35 


S74  ARTHUR  ST.  CLAIR. 

to  attack  fortified  lines,  to  carry  strong  entrenchments,  were 
exploits  which  they  supposed  belonged  exclusively  to  the  armies 
of  kings.  To  see  a  body  off  American  militia,  ill-dressed,  but 
little  disciplined,  without  cannon,  armed  only  with  farmers'  guns 
without  bayonets,  and  who  had  been  accustomed  to  fly  at  their 
approach;  that  such  men,  should  force  the  entrenchments,  cap- 
ture the  cannon,  kill,  and  make  prisoners  of  a  large  body  of  the 
royal  army,  was  a  matter  of  indignation,  astonishment,  and  sur- 
prise." * 

"General  Stark  volunteered  his  services  under  Gen.  Gates  afe 
Saratoga,  and  assisted  in  the  council  which  stipulated  the  sur- 
render of  Gen.  Burgoyne,  nor  did  he  relinquish  his  valuable 
services  till  he  could  greet  his  native  country  as  an  Independent 
Empire.  Gen.  Stark  was  of  the  middle  stature,  not  formed  by 
nature  to  exhibit  an  erect  soldierly  mien.  His 'manners  were 
frank,  and  unassuming,  but  he  manifested  a  peculiar  sort  of 
eccentricity  and  negligence,  which  precluded  all  display  of 
personal  dignity,  and  seemed  to  place  him  among  those  of 
ordinary  rank  in  life.  His  character  as  a  private  citizen  was 
unblemished,  and  he  was  ever  held  in  respect.  For  the  last 
{ew  years  of  his  life,  he  enjoyed  a  pecuniary  bounty  from  the 
government.  He  lived  to  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-three 
years,  eight  months,  and  twenty-four  days,  and  died  May  8th, 
1322."  t 


ARTHUR   ST.   CLAIR, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army; 

Gen.  St.  Clair  was  a  soldier  from  his  youth.  At  an  early 
age,  while  the  independent  states  were  yet  British  colonies,  he 
entered  the  royal  American  army,  and  was  commissioned  as  an 
ensign.  He  was  actively  engaged,  during  the  French  war,  in 
the  army  of  Gen.  Wolfe,  and  was  in  the  battle  carrying  a  pair 
of  colors,  in  which  that  celebrated  commander  was  slain,  on  the 

*  Williams'  Vermont;  t  Thatcher's  Journal* 


ARTHUR  ST.  CLAIR.  275 

plains  of  Abraham,  He  was  highly  esteemed,  by  the  distin- 
guished commanders  under  whom  he  served,  as  a  young  officer  of 
merit,  capable  of  obtaining  a  high  grade  of  military  reputation. 

"After  the  peace  of  '63,  he  sold  out  and  entered  into  trade, 
for  which  the  generosity  of  his  nature  utterly  disqualified  him; 
he,  of  course,  soon  became  disgusted  with  a  profitless  pursuit, 
and  having  married,  after  several  vicissitudes  of  fortune,  he 
located  himself  in  Ligonier  valley,  west  of  the  Alleghany  moun- 
tain, and  near  the  ancient  route  from  Philadelphia  to  Pitta- 
burgh. 

In  this  situation  the  American  revolution  found  him,  surv 
rounded  by  a  rising  family,  in  the  enjoyment  of  ease  and  inde- 
pendence, with  the  fairest  prospects  of  affluent  fortune,  the 
foundation  of  which  had  been  already  established  by  his  intel* 
ligence,  industry  and  enterprise. 

From  this  peaceful  abode,  these  sweet  domestic  enjoyments* 
and  the  flattering  prospects  which  accompanied  them,  he  wag 
drawn  by  the  claims  of  a  troubled  country.  A  man  known  la 
have  been  a  military  officer,  and  distinguished  for  knowledge  and 
integrity,  could  not,  in  those  times  be  concealed  even  by  his 
favorite  mountains,  and  therefore,  without  application  or  expect- 
ation on  his  part,  he  received  the  commission  of  a  colonel  in 
the  month  of  December,  1775,  together  with  a  letter  from 
President  Hancock,  pressing  him  to  repair  immediately  to  Phila- 
delphia. He  obeyed  the  summons,  and  took  leave  not  only  of 
his  wife  and  children,  but  in  effect  of  his  fortune,  to  embark  in 
the  cause  of  liberty  and  the  united  colonies.  In  six  weeks  he 
completed  the  levy  of  a  regiment  of  750  men;  six  companies  of 
which  marched  in  season  to  join  our  troops  before  Quebec;  he 
followed  with  the  other  four  in  May,  and  after  the  unluckj 
affair  at  Three  Rivers,  by  his  counsel  to  Gen.  Sullivan  at  Sorel, 
he  saved  the  array  we  had  in  Canada."  * 

Tiie  active  and  persevering  habits  of  St.  Clair,  and  the  mili- 
tary knowledge,  as  displayed  by  him  during  the  Canadian  cam- 
paign, brought  him  into  high  repute,  and  he  was  subsequently 
promoted   to  the  rank  of  major-general.     On  all  occasions  he 

*  Wilkinson's  Memoirs. 


276  ARTHUR  ST.  CLAIR. 

supported  an  honorable  distinction,  and  shared  largely  in  the 
confidence  and  friendship  of  the  commander-inchief. 

The. misfortunes  attending  the  early  military  operations  of 
the  northern  campaign  of  1777,  did  not  fail  to  bring  reproach 
upon  the  characters  of  those  who  conducted  it.  The  loss  of 
Ticonderoga  and  Fort  Independence,  and  the  subsequent  retreat 
of  Gen.  St.  Clair,  cast  a  gloom  over  the  minds  of  patriotic  men, 
and  in  their  consequences  gave  rise  to  the  malignant  passions  of 
the  human  heart,  which  Were  put  in  motion  to  depreciate  the 
worth,  impair  the  influence,  and  destroy  the  usefulness  of  Gen- 
erals Schuyler  and  St.  Clair,  it  was  proclaimed  that  they  were 
traitors  to  their  country,  and  acted  in  concert  with  the  enemy; 
and  the  ignorant  and  the  credulous  were  led  to  believe  that  they 
had  received  an  immense  treasure  in  silver  balls,  fired  by  Bur- 
goyne  into  St.  Clair's  camp,  and  by  his  order  picke  1  up  and 
transmitted  to  Schuyler,  at  Fort  Geoigc!!  Extravagant  as  was 
this  tale,  it  was  implicitly  believed. 

At  the  time,  of  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga  by  St.  Clair, 
which  so  much  exasperated  the  people,  Gen.  Schuyler  was 
absent  upon  a  different  duty,  and  was  totally  ignorant  of  the 
fact,  though  the  commanding  officer  in  that  district.  Gen.  St. 
Clair,  in  accordance  with  the  opinion  of  a  council  of  war, 
ordered  the  movement  on  his  own  responsibility,  and  thereby 
saved  the  state  of  New-York  from  British,  domination,  and  his 
gallant  army  from  capture.  Stung  with  the  injustice  of  a 
charge  against  Gen.  Schuyler,  for  an  act  for  which  he  alone 
was  responsible,  he  magnanimously  wrote  the  following  letter 
to  the  Hon.  John  Jay,  on  the  subject: — 

Moses' -Creek,  July  25,  1775. 
"  Sir — General  Schuyler  was  good  enough  to  read  to  me  a 
part  of  a  letter  he  received  .last  night  frcm  you.  I  cannot 
recollect  that  any  of  my  officers  everagked  my  reason-  for  leav- 
ing Ticonderoga:  but  as  J  have  found  the  measure  much  decried, 
I  have  often  expressed  myself  in  this  manner: — "'That  as  to 
myself  1  was  perfectly  easy;  1  was  conscious  of  the  uprightness 
and  propriety  of  my  conduct,  and  despised  the  vague  censure 


ARTHUR  ST.  CLAIR.  277 

of  an  uninformed  populace;  "  but  had  no  allusion  to  an  order 
from  Tien.  Schu)ler  for  my  justification,  because  no  such  order 
existed. 

"  The  calumny  thrown  on  Gen.  Schuyler,  on  account  of  that 
matter  has  given  me  great  uneasiness.  I  assure  you,  Sir,  there 
never  was  any  thing  more  cruel  and  unjust;  for  he  knew  nothing 
of  the  matter  until  it  was  over,  more  than  you  did  at  Kingston. 
It  was  done  in  consequence  of  a  consultation  with  the  other 
general  officers,  without  the  possibility  of  Gen.  Schuyler's  con- 
currence; and  had  the  opinion  of  that  council  been  contrary  to 
what  it  was,  it  would  nevertheless  have  taker  place,  because 
I  knew  it  to  be  impossible  to  defend  the  po^i  with  our  numbers. 

"  In  my  letter  to  congress  from  Fort  EMwafd,  in  »*  '.u< \h  1  gave 
them  an  account  of  the  retreat,  is  ibis  paragraph: — *  It  was  my 
original  design  to  retreat  to  this  place;  that  I  mi^'if  be  bei.ixt 
Gen.  Burgoyne  and  the  inhabitants,  and  that  the  militia  might 
have  something  in  this  quarter  to  collect  to.  It  is  now  effecied, 
and  the  militia  are  coming  in,  so  thai  I  have  the  most  sanguine 
hopes  that  the  progress  of  the  enemy  will  be  checked,  and  1  may 
have  the  satisfaction  to  experience,  that  although  I  have  lost  a 
post,  I  have  eventually  saved  a  state.' 

"Whether  my  conjecture  is  right,  or  not,  is  uncertain;  but 
had  our  army  been  made  prisoners,  which  it  certainly  would 
have  been,  the  state  of  Mew- York  would  have  been  much  more 
exposed  at  present. 

"  1  proposed  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  on  my  arrival  at  Fort  Edward, 
to  have  sent  a  note  to  the  printer,  to  assure  the  people  he  had 
no  part  in  abandoning  what  they  considered  their  strong  holds; 
he  thought  it  was  not  so  proper  at  that  time,  but  it  is  no  more 
than  what  I  owe  to  truth  and  to  him,  to  declare,  that  he  was 
totally  unacquainted  with  the  matter;  and  I  should  be  very  glad 
that  this  letter,  or  any  part  of  it  you  may  think  proper  to  com- 
municate, may  convince  the  unbelieving.  Simple  unbelief  is 
easily  and  soon  convinced,  but  when  malice  or  envy  occasions  it, 
it  is  needless  to  attempt  conviction. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  very  humble  and  ob't.  serv't. 

ARTHUR  ST.  CLAIR. 
Hon.  John  Jay." 
4 

■■ 


278  ARTHUR  ST.  CLAIR, 

Congress,  yielding  to  personal  prejudices  and  the  popular 
outcry,  produced  by  the  evacuation  of  that  post,  they  passed 
the  following  resolutions: — 

"  Resolved.  That  an  inquiry  be  made  into  the  reasons  of  the 
evacuation  of  Ticonderoga  and  Mount  Independence,  and  into 
the  conduct  of  the  general  oflicers  who  were  in  the  northern 
department  at  the  time  of  the  evacuation. 

"Resolved,  That  Major  General  St.  Clair,  who  commanded 
at  Ticonderoga  and  Mount  Independence,  forthwith  repair  to 
head-quarters." 

The  conduct  of  congress  towards  this  respectable,  able,  and 
faithful  servant  of  the  republic,  was  considered  altogether 
unwarrantable,  and,  in  the  result,  drew  great  and  deserved  odi- 
um on  its  authors. 

After  holding  St.  Clair  in  cruel  suspense  for  more  than  a  year 
he  was  permitted  to  appear  before  a  general  court  martial, 
which  passed  the  following  sentence  of  acquittal: — 

Quaker-Hill.  Sept.  29,  1778. 

"The  court  having  duly  considered  the  charges  against  ma- 
jor-general St.  Clair,  and  the  evidence,  are  unanimously  of  opin- 
ion, that  he  is  not  guilty  of  either  of  the  charges  preferred 
against  him,  and  do  unanimously  acquit  him  of  all  and  every  of 
them,  with  the  highest  honor. 

B.  LINCOLN,  Ma].  Gen.  and  Pres't. 
From  this  time,  Gen.  St.  Clair  continued  in  the  service  of  his 
country  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Soon  after  the  establish- 
ment of  the  national  government,  Gen.  St.  Clair  was  appointed 
Governor  of  the  North  West  Territory.  '  But  he  did  not  long 
enjoy  the  calm  and  quiet  of  civil  life.  The  repeated  successes 
of  the  Indians,  on  the  western  frontier,  had  emboldened  them  to 
repeat  and  extend  their  incursions  to  an  alarming  degree. 

"  The  frontiers  were  in  a  most  deplorable  situation.  For 
their  relief,  congress  sanctioned  the  raising  of  an  additional 
regiment;  and  the  President  was  authorised  to  cause  a  body  of 
two  thousand  men,  under  the  denomination  of  levies,  to  be 
raised  for  six  months,  and  to  appoint  a  major-general,  and  a 


ARTHUR  ST.  CLAIR.  27& 

brigadier-general,  to  continue  in  command  as  long  as  he  should 
think  their  services  necessary.  St.  Clair,  who  was  then  gov- 
ernor of  the  territory,  north-west  of  the  Ohio,  and,  as  such,  offi- 
cially the  negotiator  with  the  adjacent  Indians,  was  appointed 
commander-in-chief  of  this  new  military  establishment.  Though 
every  exertion  was  made  to  recruit  and  forward  the  troops,  they 
were  not  assembled  in  the  neighborhood  of  Fort  Washington, 
until  the  month  of  September;  nor  was  the  establishment  then 
completed. 

The  object  of  the  expedition  was  to  destroy  the  Indian  villa- 
ges on  the  Miami;  to  expel  the  savages  from  that  country;  and 
to  connect  it  with  the  Ohio  by  a  chain  of  posts.  The  regulars, 
proceeding  northwardly,  from  the  Ohio,  established,  at  proper 
intervals,  two  forts,  one  named  Hamilton,  and  the  other  Jeffer- 
son, as  places  of  deposit  and  security.  These  were  garrisoned 
with  a  small  force;  and  the  main  body  of  the  army,  about  two 
thousand  men,  advanced  towards  the  Indian  settlements.  As 
they  approached  the  enemy,  about  sixty  militiamen  deserted,  in 
a  body.  To  prevent  the  mischiefs,  likely  to  result  from  so  bad 
an  example,  Major  Hamtrackwas  detached,  with  the  first  regi- 
ment, to  pursue  the  deserters.  The  army  was  reduced,  by  this> 
detachment,  to  about  fourteen  hundred  effective  men;  but, 
nevertheless,  proceeded  on  their  march,  and  encamped  on  eleva- 
ted ground,  about  fifteen  miles  south  of  the  Miami.  The 
Indians  commenced  an  attack  on  the  militia  in  front.  These 
instantly  fled  in  disorder,  and  rushing  into  the  camp,  occasioned 
confusion  among  the  regulars.  The  officers  of  the  latter  exerted 
themselves  to  restore  order;  but  with  very  inconsiderable  suc- 
cess. The  Indians  improved  the  advantage  they  had  gained. 
They  were  seldom  seen,  but  in  the  act  of  springing  from  one 
cover  to  another;  for  they  fired  from  the  ground,  or  under 
shelter  of  the  woods.  Advancing  in  this  manner,  close  to  the 
lines  of  their  adversaries,  and  almost  to  the  mouth  of  their 
field-pieces  they  continued  the  contest  with  great  firmness  and 
intrepidity. 

Gen.  St.  Clair,  though  suffering  under  a  painful  disease,  and 
unable  to  mount  or  dismount  a  horse,  without  assistance,  deliv- 


280  ARTHTR  ST.  CLAIR, 

cred   his   orders   with  judgment,  and   perfect  self-possession. 

The  troops  had  not  heen  in  service  long  enough  to  acquire  dis- 
cipline; and  the  want  of  it  increased  the  difficulty  of  reducing 
them  to  order  after  they  had  been  broken.  The  officers,  in 
their  zeal  to  change  the  face  of  affairs,  exposed  themselves  to 
imminent  danger,  and  fell  in  great  numbers.  Attempts  were 
made  to  retrieve  the  fortune  of  the  day,  by  the  use  of  the  bay- 
onet. Col.  Darke  made  a  successful  charge  on  a  part  of  the 
enemy,  and  drove  them  four  hundred  yards;  but  they  soon 
rallied.  In  the  mean  time,  Gen.  Butler  was  mortally  wounded. 
Almost  all  the  artillerists  were  killed,  and  their  guns  seized 
by  the  enemy.  Col.  Darke  again  charged  with  the  bayonet, 
and  the  artillery  was  recovered.  While  the  Indians  were 
driven  back  in  one  point,  they  kept  up  their  fire  from  every  other, 
with  fatal  effect.  Several  corps  charged  the  Indians  with  par-, 
tial  success;  but  no  general  impressions  was  made  upon  them. 

To  save  the  remnant  of  his  army,  was  all  that  could  be  done 
by  St.  Clair.  After  some  hours  of  sharp  fighting,  a  retreat  took 
place.  The  Indians  pursued,  for  about  four  miles,  when  their 
avidity  for  plunder  called  them  hack  to  the  camp  to  share  the 
spoil.  The  vanquished  troops  fled  about  thirty  miles,  to  Fort 
Jefferson.  There  they  met  Major  Hamtrack,  with  the  first 
regiment;  but  this  additional  force  would  not  warrant  an 
attempt  to  turn  about  and  face  the  victors.  The  wounded  were 
left  there,  and  the  army  retreated  to  Fort  Washington. 

•  The  loss  in  this  defeat  was  great;  and  particularly  so  among 
the  officers.  Thirty-eight  of  these  were  killed  on  the  field ;  and 
five  hundred  and  ninety-three  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates  were  slain  or  missing.  Twenty-one  commissioned  offi- 
cers and  upwards  of  one  hundred  privates  were  wounded. 
Among  the  dead  was  the  gallant  General  Butler,  who  had 
repeatedly  distinguished  himself  in  the  war  of  the  revolution. 
Several  other  brave  officers,  Who  had  successfully  fought  for  the 
independence  of  their  country,  fell  on  this  fatal  day.  Among 
the  wounded,  were  Lieutenant-Colonels  Gibson  and  Darke, 
Major  Butler,  and  Adjutant  Sargent,  officers  of  distinguished 
merit.     Neither  the  number  of  the  Indians  engaged,  nor  their 


JOHN  SULLIVAN.  281 

loss  could  be  exactly  ascertained.  The  former  was  supposed 
to  be  from  oiie  thousand  to  fifteen  hundred,  and  the  latter  tar 
short  of  what  was  sustained  by  St.  Clair's  army."* 

Shortly  after  this  unfortunate  expedition,  Gen.  St.  Clair  re- 
signed his  commission  in  the1  army,  and  retired  into  private  life, 
and  thus  remained  until  the  close  of  his  life,  August  3 1st,  1818. 


JOHN   SULLIVAN, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army. 

General  Sullivan  was  a  native  of  New  Hampshire,  where 
he  resided  before  the  revolution,  and  attained  to  a  high  degree 
of  eminence  in  the  profession  of  the  law.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  first  congress  in  1774,  but  on  the  commencement  of  hos- 
tilities, preferring  a  military  commission,  he  relinquished  the 
fairest  prospect  of  fortune  and  fame,  and  appeared  among  the 
most  ardent  patriots,  and  intrepid  warriors. 

In  1775,  he  was  appointed  a  brigadier  gerHral,  and  imme- 
diately joined  the  army  at  Cambridge,  and  soon  after  obtained 
the  command  on  Winter  Hill.  The  next  year  he  was  ordered 
to  Canada,  and  on  the  death  of  Gen.  Thomas  the  command  of 
the  army  devolved  on  him.  The  situation  of  the  army  in  that 
quarter  was  inexpressibly  distressing;  destitute  of  clothing,  dis- 
pirited by  defeat  and  constant  fatigue,  and  a  large  proportion  of 
the  troops  sick  with  the  small  pox.  By  his  great  exertions  and 
judicious  management  he  meliorated  the  condition  of  the  army, 
and  obtained  general  applause.  On  his  retiring  from  that  com- 
mand, July  12th,  1776,  the  field  officers  thus  addressed  him. 
"It  is  to  you,  sir,  the  public  are  indebted  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  their  property  in  Canada.  It  is  to  you  we  owe  our  safety 
thus  far.  Your  humanity  will  call  forth  the  silent  tear,  and  the 
grateful  ejaculation  of  the  sick.  Your  universal  impartiality 
will  force  the  applause  of  the  wearied  soldier." 

In  August,  1776,  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  major  gen- 
eral, and  soon  after  was,  with  major  general  lord  Stirling,  cap- 
tured by  the  British  in  the  battle  on  Long  Island.    Gen.  Sullivan 

. —         » '   ■  <  ■ — ■  ' '  ■• 

*  Ramsay's  United  States. 
36 


282  JOHN  SULLIVAN. 

being  paroled,  was  sent  by  Gen.  Howe  with  a  message  to  con- 
gress, after  which  he  returned  to  New  York.  In  September  he 
was  exchanged  for  major  general  Prescott.  We  next  find  him 
in  command  of  the  right  division  of  our  troops,  in  the  famous 
battle  al  Trenton,  and  he  acquitted  himself  honorably  on  that 
ever  memorable  day. 

In  August,  1777,  without  the  authority  of  congress  or  the 
commander-in-chief,  he  planned  and  executed  an  expedition 
against  the  enemy  on  Staten  Island.  Though  the  enterprise 
was  conducted  with  prudence  and  success  in  part,  it  was  said  by 
some  to  have  been  less  brilliant  than  might  have  been  expected 
under  his  favorable  circumstances;  and  as  that  act  was  deemed 
a  hold  assumption  of  responsibility,  and  reports  to  his  prejudice 
being  in  circulation,  a  court  of  inquiry  was  ordered  to  investi- 
gate his  conduct.  The  result  was  an  honorable  acquittal,  and 
congress  resolved  that  the  result  so  honorable  to  Gen.  Sullivan 
is  highly  pleasing  to  congress,  and  thai  the  opinion  of  the  court 
be  published,  w  justification  of  that  injured  officer. 

In  the  battles  of  Brandy  wine  aid  Gcrmantown,  in  the  autumn 
of  1777,  Ge  i.  Sulli  a  i  commanded  a  division,  and  in  the  latter 
conflict  his  two  aids  were  killed,  and  his  own  conduct  was  so 
conspicuously  brave,  that  Gen.  Washington,  in  his  letter  to  con- 
gress concludes  with  encomiums  on  the  gallantry  of  General 
Sullivan,  andthe  whole  right  wing  of  the  army,  who  acted  imme- 
diately under  the  eye  of  his  Excellency. 

In  August,  1778,  Gen.  Sullivan  who  was  sole  commander  of 
an  expedition  to  the  island  of  Newport,  in  co-operation  with  the 
French  fleet  under  the  Count  D'Estaing.  The  Marquis  de  La 
Fayette  and  Gen.  Greene  volunteered  their  services  on  the 
occasion.  The  object  of  the  expedition  was  defeated,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  French  fleet  being  driven  off  by  a  violent  storm. 
By  this  unfortunate  event  the  enemy  were  encouraged  to  engage 
our  army  in  battle,  in  which  they  suffered  a  repulse,  and  General 
Sullivan  finally  effected  a  safe  retreat  to  the  main.  This  retreat 
so  ably  executed,  without  confusion,  or  the  loss  of  baggare,  or 
stores,  increased  the  military  reputation  of  General  Sullivan-, 
and  redounds  to  his  honor  as  a  skilful  commander.      .« 


JOHN  SULLIVAN.  283 

The  bloody  tragedy,  acted  at  Wyoming  in  1778,  had  deter- 
mined the  commander-in-chief,  in  1779,  to  employ  a  large 
detachment  from  the  continental  army  to  penetrate  into  the  heart 

of  the  Indian  country,  to  chastise  the  hostile  tribes  and  their 
white  associates  and  adherents,  for  their  cruel  aggressions  on 

the  defenceless  inhabitants.     .The  command  of  this  expedition 

was  committed  to  major-general  Sullivan,  with  express  orders 

to  destroy  their  settlements,  to  ruin  their  crops,  and  make 

such  thorough  devastations,  as  to  render  the  country  entirely 

uninhabitable  for  the  present,  and  thus  to  compel   the  savages 

to  remove  to  a  greater  distance  from  our  frontiers. 

Gen.  Sullivan  had  under  his  command  several  brigadiers,  and 
a  well  chosen  army,  to  which  were  attached  a  number  of  friendly 
Indian  warriors.  With  this  force  he  penetrated  about  ninety 
miles  through  a  horrid  swampy  wilderness  and  barren  moun- 
tainous deserts,  to  Wyoming,  on  the  Susquehanna  river,  thence 
by  water  to  Tioga,  and  possessed  himself  of  numerous  towns 
and  villages  of  the  savages. 

During  this  hazardous  expedition,  General  Sullivan  and  his 
army  encountered  the  most  complicated  obstacles,  requiring  the 
greatest  fortitude  and  perseverance  to  surmount.  He  explored 
an  extensi  e  tract  of  country,  and  strictly  executed  the  severe, 
but  necessary  orders  he  had  received.  A  considerable  number 
oi  Indians  were  slain,  some  were  captured,  their  habitations 
were  burnt,  and  their  plantations  of  corn  and  vegetables  laid 
waste  in  the  most  effectual  manner.  "Eighteen  villages,  a 
number  of  detached  buildings,  one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand 
bushels  of  corn,  and  those  fruits  and  vegetables  which  conduce 
to  the  comfort  and  subsistence  of  man,  were  utterly  destroyed. 
Five,  weeks  were  unremittingly  employed  in  this  work  of  de- 
vastation." 

On  his  return  from  the  expedition,  he  and  his  army  received 
the  approbation  of  congress.  It  is  remarked  on  this  expedition, 
by  the  translator  of  M.  Chastelleux's  travels,  an  Englishman, 
then  resident  in  the  United  State's,  that  the  instructions  given 
by  General  Sullivan  to  his  officers,  the  drder  of  marc^  he  pres- 
cribed to  his  troops,  and  the  discipline  r  e  had   the   ability  to 


284  SETH  WARNER. 

maintain,  would  have  done  honor  to  the  most  experienced  ancient 
or  modern  generals. 

At  the  close  of  the  campaign  of  1779,  General  Sullivan,  in 
consequence  of  impaired  health,  resigned  his  commission  in  the 
army.  Congress,  in  accepting  his  resignation,  passed  a  resolve, 
thai, king  him  for  his  past  services.  His  military  talents  and 
bold  spir it  of  enterprise  were  universally  acknowledged.  He 
was  fond  of  display.,  and  his  personal  appearance  and  dignified 
deportment  commanded  respect.  After  his  resignation  he 
resumed  his  professional  pursuits  at  the  bar,  and  was  much  dis- 
tinguished as  a  statesman,  politician,  and  patriot.  He  acquired 
very  considerable  proficiency  in  general  literature,  and  an 
extensive  knowledge  of  men  and  the  world.  He  received  from 
Harvard  university  a  decree  of  Master  of  Arts,  and  from  the 
university  of  Dartmouth  a  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws.  He 
was  one  of  the  convention  who  formed  the  state  constitution  for 
New-Hampshire,  was  chosen  into  the  first  council,  and  was . 
afterward  elected  chief  magistrate  in  that  state,  and  held  the 
office  for  three  years.  In  September  1789,  he  was  appointed 
Judge  of  the  district  court  for  the  district  of  New-Hampshire^ 
and  continued  in  the  office  till  his  death,  in  1795."  * 


SETH    WARNER , 

Colonel  in  the  American  Army. 

"-Among  the  persons  who  have  performed  important  services- 
to  the  state  of  Vermont,  Col.  Seth  Warner  deserves  to  be 
remembered  with  respect.  He  was  born  at  Woodbury,  in  the 
colony  of  Connecticut,  about  the  year  1744,  of  honest  and  res- 
pectable parents.  Without  any  other  advantages  for  an  educa- 
tion than  were  to  be  found  in  the  common  schools  of  the  town, 
he  was  early  distinguished  by  the  solidity  and  extent  of  his 
understanding.  About  the  year  1763,  his  parents  purchased  a 
tract  of  land  in  Bennington,  and  soon  after  removed  to  that 
town  with  their  family.     In  the  uncultivated  state  of  the  coun- 

*Thagher,s  Military  Journal. 


SETH  WARNER.  285 

try,  in  the  fish,  with  which  the  rivers  and  ponds  were  furnished, 
and  in  the  game,  with  which  the  woods  abounded,  young  War- 
ner found  a  variety  of  objects  suited  to  his  favorite  inclinations 
and  pursuits;  and  he  soon  became  distinguished  as  a  fortunate 
and  indefatigable  hunter. 

His  father,  captain  Benjamin  Warner,  had  a  strong  inclination 
to  medicinal  inquiries  and  pursuits;  and  agreeably  to  the  state 
of  things  in  new  settlements,  had  to  look  for  many  of  his  medi- 
cines in  the  natural  virtues  of  the  plants  and  roots,  that  were 
indigenous  to  tbe  country.  His  son  Seth  frequently  attended 
him  in  these  botanical  excursions,  contracted  something  of  his 
father's  taste  for  the  business,  and  acquired  more  information  of 
the  nature  and  properties  of  the  indigenous  plants  and  vegeta- 
bles, tban  any  other  man  in  the  Country,  By  this  kind  of  knowl- 
edge he  became  useful  to  the  families  in  the  new  settlements, 
and  administered  relief  in  many  cages,  where  no  other  medical 
assistance  could  at  that  time  be  procured.  By  such  visits  and 
practice,  he  became  known  to  most  of  the  families  on  the  west 
side  of  the  Green  Mountains;  and  was  generally  esteemed  by 
them  a  man  highly  useful  both  on  account  of  his  information 
and  humanity. 

About  the  year  1763,  a  scene  began  to  open,  which  gave  a 
new  turn  to  his  active  and  enterprising  spirit.  The  lands  on 
which  the  settlements  were  made,  had  been  granted  by  the  gov- 
ernors of  New-Hampshire.  The  government  of  New- York 
claimed  jurisdiction  to  the  eastward  as  far  as  Connecticut  river; 
denied  the  authority  of  the  governor  of  New-Hampshire  to 
make  any  grants  to  the  west  of  Connecticut  river;  and  announ- 
c  A  to  the  inhabitants  that  they  were  within  the  territory  of 
New-York,  and  had  no  legal  title  to  the  lands  on  which  they 
had  settled.  The  controversy  became  very  serious  between 
the  two  governments;  and  after  some  years  spent  in  altercation 
New-York  procured  a  decision  of  George  III.  in  their  favor. 
This  order  was  dated  July  20, 1764,  and  declared  "the  western 
banks  of  the  river  Connecticut,  from  where  it  enters  the  prov- 
ince of  Massachusetts  bay,  as  far  north  as  the  45th  degree  of 
northern  latitude,  to  be  the  boundary  line  between  the  said  two 


28G  SETII  WARNER. 

provinces  of  New-Hampshire  and  New-York."  No  sooner  waa 
this  decree  procured,  than  the  governor  of  New- York  prcceeded 
to  make  new  grants  of  the  lands,  which  the  settlers  had  before 
fairly  bought  of  the  crown,  and  which  had  been  chartered  to 
them  in  the  king's  name  and  authority  by  the  royal  governor 
of  New-Hampshire.  All  became  a  scene  of  disorder  and  dan- 
ger. The  new  patentees  under  New- York  brought  actions  of 
ejectment  against  the  settlers.  The  decisions  of  the  courts  at 
Albany  were  always  in  favor  of  the  New-York  patentees;  and 
nothing  remained  for  the  inhabitants  but  to  buy  their  lands  over 
again,  or  to  give  up  the  labors  and  earnings  of  their  whole  lives 
to  the  new  claimants  under  titles  from  New-York. 

In  this  scene  of  oppression  and  distress,  the  settlers  discov- 
ered the  firm  and  vigorous  spirit  of  manhood.  All  that  was 
left  to  them,  was  either  to  yield  up  their  whole  property  to  a  set 
of  unfeeling  land-jobbers,  or  to  defend  themselves  and  property 
by  force.  They  wisely  and  virtuously  chose  the  latter;  and  by 
a  kind  of  common  consent,  Ethan  Allen  and  Seth  Warner 
became  their  leaders.  No  man's  abilities  and  talents  could 
have  been  better  suited  to  this  business  than  Warner's.  When 
the  authority  of  New-York  proceeded  with  an  armed  force  to 
attempt  to  execute  their  laws,  Warner  met  them  with  a  body  of 
Green  Mountain  Boys,  properly  armed,  full  of  resolution,  and  so 
formidable  in  numbers  and  courage,  that  the  governor  of  New- 
York  was  obliged  to  give  up  this  method  of  proceeding.  When 
the  sheriff  came  to  extend  his  executions,  and  eject  the  settlers 
from  their  farm*,  Warner  would  not  suffer  him  to  proceed. 
Spies  were  employed  to  procure  intelligence,  and  promote 
division  among  the  people;  when  any  of  them  were  taken,  War- 
ner caused  them  to  be  tried  by  some  of  the  most  discreet  of  the 
people ;  and  if  declared  guilty,  to  be  tied  to  a  tree  and  whipped. 
An  officer  came  to  take  Warner  by  force;  he  considered  it  as 
an  affair  of  open  hostility,  engaged,  wounded,  and  disarmed  the 
officer;  but,  with  the  honor  and  spirit  of  a  soldier,  spared  the 
life  of  an  enemy  he  had  subdued.  These  services  appeared  in 
a  very  different  light  to  the  settlers,  and  to  the  government  of 
New- York;  the  first  considered  him  as  an  eminent  patriot  and 


SETH  WARNER.  278 

hero ;  to  the  other  he  appeared  as  the  first  of  villains  and  rebels 
To  put  an  end  to  all  further  exertions,  and  to  bring  him  to  an 
exemplary  punishment,  the  government  of  New- York,  on  March 
9th,  1774,  passed  an  act  of  outlawry  against  him;  and  a  pro- 
clamation wag  issued  by  W.  Tryon,  governor  of  New- York, 
offering  a  reward  of  fifty  pounds  to  any  person  who  should 
apprehend  him.  These  proceedings  of  New-York  were  beheld 
by  him  with  contempt;  and  they  had  no  other  effect  upon  the 
settlers,  than  to  unite  them  more  firmly  in  their  opposition  to  that 
government,  and  in  their  attachment  to  their  own  patriotic 
leader  thus  wantonly  proscribed. 

In  services  of  so  dangerous  and  important  a  nature,  Warner 
was  engaged  from  the  year  1 765  to  1775.  That  year  a  scene  of 
the  highest  magnitude  and  consequence  opened  upon  the  world. 
On  the  19th  of  April,  the  American  war  was  begun  by  the  Brit- 
ish troops  at  Lexington.  Happily  for  the  country,  it  was  com- 
menced with  such  circumstances  of  insolence  and  cruelty,  as 
left  no  room  for  the  people  of  America  to  doubt  what  was  the 
course  which  they  ought  to  pursue.  The  time  was  come,  in 
which  total  subjection,  or  the  horrors  of  war,  must  take  place. 
All  America  preferred  the  latter;  and  the  people  of  the  New- 
Hampshire  Grants  immediately  undertook  to  secure  the  British 
forts  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point.  Allen  and  Warner 
immediately  engaged  in  the  business.  Allen  took  the  command 
and  Warner  raised  a  body  of  excellent  troops  in  the  vicinity  of 
Bennington,  and  both  marched  against  Ticonderoga.  They  sur- 
prised and  took  that  fortress  on  the  morning  of  the  tenth  of  May ; 
and  Warner  was  sent  the  same  day  with  a  detachment  of  the 
troops  to  secure  Crown  Point.  He  effected  the  business,  and 
secured  the  garrison,  with  all  the  warlike  stores,  for  the  use  of 
the  continent. 

The  same  year  Warner  received  a  commission  from  congress 
to  raise  a  regiment,  to  assist  in  the  reduction  of  Canada.  He 
engaged  in  the  business  with  his  usual  spirit  of  activity;  raised 
his  regiment  chiefly  among  his  old  acquaintance  and  friends,  the 
Green  Mountain  Boys,  and  joined  the  army  under  the  command 
of  General  Montgomery.     The  Honorable  SamHel  Safford  of 


388  SETH  WARNER. 

Bennington  was  his  lieutenant  colonel.  Their  regiment  con- 
ducted with  great  spirit,  and  acquired  high  applause,  in  the  ac- 
tion at  Longueil,in  which  the  troops  designed  for  the  relief  of 
St.  John's  were  totally  defeated  and  dispersed,  chiefly  by  the 
troops  under  the  com  nand  of  colonel  Warner.  The  campaign 
ended  about  the  20th  of  November,  in  the  course  of  which,  Ti- 
conderoga,  Crown  Point,  Chamblee,  St.  Joans,  Montreal,  and  a 
fleet  of  eleven  sail  of  vessels  had  been  captured  by  the  Ameri- 
can arms.  JNTo  man  in  this  campaign  had  acted  with  more  spirit 
and  enterprise  than  colonel  Warner.  The  weather  was  now 
become  severe,  and  Warner's  men  were  too  miserably  clothed 
to  bear  a  winter's  campaign  in  the  severe  climate  of  Canada. 
They  were  accordingly  now  discharged  by  Montgomery  with 
particular  marks  of  his  respect,  and  the  most  affectionate  thanks 
for  their  meritorious  services. 

Warner  returned  with  his  men  to  the  New  Hampshire  Grants, 
but  his  mind  was  more  than  ever  engaged  in  the  cause  of  his 
country.  Montgomery  with  a  part  of  his  army,  pressed  on  to 
Quebec,  and  on  December  31st  was  slain  in  an  attempt  to  carry 
the  city  by  storm.  This  event  gave  an  alarm  to  all  the  northern  ' 
part  of  the  colonies;  and  it  became  necessary  to  raise  a  rein- 
forcement to  march  to  Quebec  in  the  midst  of  winter.  The 
difficulty  of  the  business  suited  the  genius  and  ardor  of  Warner's 
mind.  He  was  at  Woodbury,  in  Connecticut,  when  he  heard 
the  news  of  Montgomery's  defeat  and  death;  he  instantly  re- 
paired to  Bennington,  raised  a  body  of  men,  and  marched  in 
the  midst  of  winter  to  join  the  American  troops  at  Quebec. 
The  campaign  during  the  winter  proved  extremely  distressing 
to  the  Americans:  in  want  of  comfortable  clothing,  barracks, 
and  provisions,  most  of  them  were  taken  by  the  smallpox,  and 
several  died.  At  the  opening  of  the  spring,  in  May,  1776,  a 
large  body  of  British  troops  arrived  at  Quebec  to  relieve  the 
garrison.  The  American  troops  were  forced  to  abandon  the 
blockade,  with  circumstances  of  great  distress  and  confusion. 
Warner  chose  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  business,  remaining 
always  with  the  rear,  picking  up  the  lame  and  diseased,  assisting 
and  encouraging  those  who  were  the  most  unable  to  take  care 


SETH  WARNER.  289 

of  themselves,  and  generally  kept  but  a  few  miles  in  advance 
of  the  British,  who  were  rapidly  pursuing  the  retreating  Amer- 
icans from  post  to  post.-  By  steadily  pursuing  this  conduct,  he 
brought  off  most  of  the  invalids;  and  with  this  corps  of  the 
infirm  and  diseased,  he  arrived  at  Ticonderoga,  a  few  days  after 
the  body  of  the  army  had  taken  possession  of  that  post. 

Highly  approving  his  extraordinary  exertions,  the  American 
congress,  on  July  5th,  1776,  the  day  after  they  had  declared 
independence,  resolved  to  raise  a  regiment  out  of  the  troops 
which  had  served  with  reputation  in  Canada.  Warner  was 
appointed  colonel;  Safford  lieutenant-colonel  of  this  regiment; 
and  most  of  the  other  officers  were  persons  who  had  been  dis- 
tinguished by  their  opposition  to  the  claims  and  proceedings  of 
New- York.  By  this  appointment  he  was  again  placed  in  a  situ- 
ation perfectly  agreeable  to  his  inclination  and  genius;  and  in 
conformity  to  his  orders  he  repaired  to  Ticonderoga,  where  he 
remained  till  the  close  of  the  campaign. 

On  January  16^  1777,  the  convention  of  the  New-Hampshire 
Grants  declared  the  whole  district  to  be  a  sovereign  and  inde- 
pendent state,  to  be  known  and  distinguished  ever  after  by  the 
name  of  Vermont.  The  committee  of  safety  in  New- York  were 
then  sitting,  and  on  January  20th,  they  announced  the  transac- 
tion to  congress,  complaining  in  high  terms  of  the  conduct  of 
Vermont,  censuring  it  as  a  dangerous  revolt  and  opposition  to 
lawful  authority;  and  at  the  same  time  remonstrating  against 
the  proceedings  of  congress  in  appointing  Warner  to  the  com- 
mand of  a  regiment  independent  of  the  legislature,  and  within 
the  bounds  of  that  state;  "especially,  said  they,  as  this  colonel 
Warner  hath  been  constantly  and  invariably  opposed  to  the 
legislature  of  this  stale,  and  hath  been,  on  that  account,  pro- 
claimed an  outlaw  by  the  late  government  thereof.  It  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  recall  the  commissions  given  to  Col.  Warner 
and  the  officers  under  him,  as  nothing  elseVill  do  us  justice." 
No  measures  were  taken  by  congress  at  that  time,  either  to  inter- 
fere in  the  civil  contest  between  the  two  states,  or  to  remove  the 
colonel  from  his  command.  Anxious  to  effect  this  purpose,  the 
Convention  of  New- York  wrote  further  on  the  subject,  on  March 
37 


•21KJ  SETH  WARNER. 

1st,  and  among  other  things  declared,  "  that  there  was  not  the 
least  probability  that  Col.  Warner  could  raise  such  a  number  of 
men  as  would  be  an  object  of  public  concern."  Congress  still 
declined  to  dismiss  so  valuable  an  officer  from  their  service. 
On  June  23d,  congress  was  obliged  to  take  up  the  controversy 
between  New- York  and  Vermont;  but  instead  of  proceeding 
to  disband  the  Colonel's  regiment,  on  June  30th,  they  resolved 
"  that  the  reason  which  induced  congress  to  form  that  corps, 
was,  that  many  officers  of  different  states  who  had  served  in- 
Canada,  and  alleged  that  they  could  soon  raise  a  regiment,  but 
were  .then  unprovided  for,  might  be  reinstated  in  the  service  of 
the  United  States."  Nothing  can  give  us  a  more  just  idea  of 
the  sentiments  which  the  American  congress  entertained  of  the 
patriotic  and  military  virtues  of  the  colonel,  than  their  refusing 
to  give  him  up  to  the  repeated  solicitations  and  demands  of  so 
respectable  and  powerful  a  state,  as  that  of  New-York. 

The  American  army  stationed  at  Ticonderoga  were  forced  to 
abandon  that  fortress,  on  July  6,  1777, in  a  very  precipitate  and 
irregular  manner.  The  colonel  with  his  regiment  retreated 
along  the  western  part  of  Vermont,  through  the  towns  of 
Orwell,  Sudbury,  and  Hubardton.  At  the  last  of  these  towns, 
the  advanced  corps  of  the  British  army  overtook  the  rear  of  the 
American  troops,  on  the  morning  of  the  7th  of  July.  The 
American  army,  all  but  part  of  three  regiments,  were  gone  for- 
ward; these  were  part  of  Hale's,  Francis'  and  Warner's  regi- 
ments. The  enemy  attacked  them  with  superior  numbers,  and 
the  highest  prospect  of  success.  Francis  and  Warner  opposed 
them  with  great  spirit  and  vigor;  and  no  officers  or  troops  could 
have  discovered  more  courage  and  firmness  than  they  displayed 
through  the  whole  action.  Large  reinforcements  of  the  enemy 
arriving,  it  became  impossible  to  make  any  effectual  opposition. 
Francis  fell  in  a  most  honorable  discharge  of  his  duty.  Hale 
surrendered  with  his  regiment.  Surrounded  on  every  side  by 
the  enemy,  but  calm  and  undaunted,  Col.  Warner  fought  hhs 
way  through  all  opposition,  brought  off  the  troops  that  refused 
to  capitulate  with  Hale,  checked  the  enemy  in  their  pursuit,  and 
contrary  to  all  expectations,  arrived  safe  with  his  troops  at  Man- 


SETH  WARNER.  291 

chester.  To  the  northward  of  that  town  the  whole- country 
was  deserted.  The  colonel  determined  to  make  a  stand  at  that 
place ;  encouraged  by  his  example  and  firmness,  a  body  of  the 
militia  soon  joined  him;  and  he  was  once  more  in  a  situation 
to  protect  the  inhabitants,  harass  the  enemy,  and  break  up  the 
advanced  parties. 

On  the  16th  of  August,  the  vicinity  of  Bennington  became 
the  seat  of  a  memorable  battle.  Colonel  Baum  had  been  des- 
patched by  General  Burgoyne  to  attack  the  American  troops 
and  destroy  the  magazines  at  Bennington.  General  Stark,  who 
commanded  at  that  place,  had  intelligence  of  the  approach  of 
the  enemy;  and  sent  orders  on  the  morning  of  the  16th  to  Col. 
Warner  at  Manchester,  to  march  immediately  to  his  assistance. 
In  the  mean  time  Stark  with  the  troops  which  were  assembled  at 
Bennington,  had  attacked  the  enemy  under  Col.  Baum,  and  after 
a  severe  action  had  captured  the  whole  body.  Just  as  the  action 
was  finished,  intelligence  was  received  that  a  large  reinforce- 
ment of  the  enemy  had  arrived.  Fatigued  and  exhausted  by 
so  long  and  severe  an  action,  Stark  was  doubtful  whether  it  was 
posssible  for  his  troops  to  enter  immediately  upon  another  bat- 
tle with  a  fresh  body  of  the  enemy.  At  that  critical  moment 
Warner  arrived  with  his  troops  from  Manchester.  Mortified 
that  he  had  not  been  in  the  action,  and  determined  to  have  some 
part  in  the  glory  of  the  day,  he  urged  Stark  immediately  to 
commence  another  action.  Stark  consented,  and  the  colonel 
instantly  led  on  his  men  to  battle.  The  Americans  rallied  from 
every  part  of  the  field,  and  the  second  action  became  as  fierce 
and  decisive  as  the  first.  The  enemy  gave  way  in  every  dir^# 
tion;  great  numbers  of  them  were  slain,  and  the  rest  saved 
themselves  altogether  by  the  darkness  of  the  night.  Stark 
ascribed  the  last  victory  very  much  to  Colonels  Warner  and 
Herrick;  and  spoke  in  the  highest  terms  of  their  superior 
information  and  activity,  as  that  to  which  he  principally  owed 
his  success.  The  success  at  Bennington  gave  a  decisive  turn  to 
the  affairs  of  that  campaign.  Stark,  Warner,  and  the  other 
officers,  with  their  troops,  joined  the  army  under  Gen.  Gates. 
Victory  every  where  followed  the  attempts  of  the  northern 


292  SETH  WARNER. 

armv;  and  the  campaign  terminated  in  the  surrender  of  Bur- 
goyne  and  his  whole  army,  at  Saratoga,  on  October  17th, 
1777. 

The  contest  in  the  northern  department  being  in  a  great  mea- 
sure decided  by  the  capture  of  Burgoyne,  Warner  had  no  far- 
ther opportunity  to  discover  his  prowess  in  defence  of  his  be- 
loved state:  but  served  occasionally  at  different  places  on  Hud- 
son river,  as  the  circumstances  of  the  war  required,  and  always 
with  reputation.  Despairing  of  success  in  the  northern  parts, 
the  enemy  carried  the  war  into  the  southern  states:  and  neither 
New- York  nor  Vermont  any  longer  remained  the  places  of  dis- 
tinguished enterprise.  But  such  had  been  the  fatigues  and 
exertions' of  the  colonel,  that  when  he  returned  to  his  family  in 
Bennington,  his  constitution,  naturally  firm  and  vigorous,  ap- 
peared to  be  worn  down,  and  nature  declined  under  a  compli- 
cation of  disorders,  occasioned  by  the  excessive  labours  and  suf- 
ferings he  had  passed  through. 

Most  ofthose  men  who  have  been  engaged  with  uncommon 
ardour  in  the  cause  of  their  country,  have  been  so  swallowed 
up  with  the  patriotic  passion,  as  to  neglect  that  attention  to 
their  private  interests  Which  other  menpursue  as  the  ruling  pas- 
sion. Thus  it  proved  with  Col.  Warner:  intent  at  first  upon 
saving  a  state,  and  afterwards  upon  saving  a  country,  his  mind 
was  so  entirely  engaged  in  those  pursuits,  that  he  had  not  made 
that  provision  for  his  family,  which  to  most  of  the  politicians 
and  land  jobbers  was  the  ultimate  end  of  all  their  measures 
and  exertions.  With  a  view  the  better  to  support  his  family  he 
ftgioved  to  Woodbury;  where  in  the  year  1785,  he  ended  an 
active  and  useful  life,  in  high  estimation  among  his  friends  and 
countrymen. 

His  fa,mily  had  derived  little  or  no  estate  from  his  services. 
After  his  death  they  applied  to  the  general  assembly  of  Ver- 
mont for  a  grant  of  land.  The  assembly,  with  a  spirit  of  justice' 
and  generosity,  remembered  the  services  of  Col.  Warner,  took 
up  the  petition,  and  granted  a  valuable  tract  of  land  to  his 
widow  and  family:  a  measure  highly  honorable  to  the  memory 
of  Col.  Warner  and  of  that  assembly."* 

Williams'  Vermont. 


(298) 


JOSEPH   WARREN, 

Major  General  in  the  American  Army. 

^Joseph  Warren  was  born  in  Roxbury,  near  Boston,  in  the 
year  1741.  His  father  was  a  respectable  farmer  in  that  place 
who  had  held  several  municipal  offices,  to  the  acceptance  of 
his  fellow  citizens.  Joseph,  with  several  of  his  brothers,  was 
instructed  in  the  elementary  branches  of  knowledge,  at  the 
public  grammar  school  of  the  town,  which  was  distinguished 
for  its  successive  instructors  of  superior  attainments.  In  1755, 
he  entered  college,  where  he  sustained  the  character  of  a  youth 
of  talents,  fine  manners,  and  of  a  generous  independent  deport- 
ment, united  to  great  personal  courage  and  perseverance.  An 
anecdote  will  illustrate  his  fearlessness  and  determination  at 
that  age,  when  character  can  hardly  be  said  to  be  formed.  Sev- 
eral students  of  Warren's  class  shut  themselves  in  a  room  to 
arrange  some  college  affairs,  in  away  which  they  knew  was 
contrary  to  his  wishes,  and  barred  the  door  so  effectually  that  he 
could  not  without  great  violence  force  it:  but  he  did  not  give 
Over  the  attempt  of  getting  among  them;  for  perceiving  that  the 
window  of  the  room  in  which  they  were  assembled  was  open, 
and  near  a  spout  which  extended  from  the  roof  of  the  building 
to  the  ground,  he  went  to  the  top  of  the  house,  slid  down  to  the 
eaves,  siezed  the  spout,  and  when  he  had  descended  as  far 
as  the  window,  threw  himself  into  the  chamber  among  them. 
At  that  instant,  the  spout,  which  was  decayed  and  weak,  gave 
way  and  fell  to  the  ground.  He  looked  at  it  without  emotion, 
said  that  it  had  served  his  purpose,  and  began  to  take  his  part 
in  the  business.  A  spectator  of  this  feat  and  narrow  escape, 
related  this  fact  to  me  in  the  college-yard,  nearl)  half  a  century 
afterward ;  and  the  impression  it  made  on  his  mind  was  so  strong, 
that  he  seemed  to  feel  the  same  emotion  as  though  it  had  hap- 
pened but  an  hour  before. 

On  leaving  college  in  1759,  Warren  turned  his  altention  to 
the  study  of  medicine,  under  the  direction  of  Doctor  Lloyd,  an 


294  #  JO«FPH  WARRFN. 

eminent  physician  of  that  day,  whose  valuable  life  has  been 
protracted  almost  to  the  present  time.  Warren  was  distin- 
guished very  soon  after  he  commenced  practice;  for  when  in 
1764,  the  small-pox  spread  in  Boston,  he  was  among  the  most 
successful  in  his  method  of  treating  that  disease,  which  was 
then  considered  the  most  dreadful  scourge  of  the  human  race; 
and  the  violence  of  which  had  baffled  the  efforts  of  the  learned 
faculty  of  medicine  from  the  time  of  its  first  appearance.  From 
this  moment  he  stood  high  among  his  brethren,  and  was  the  favor- 
ite of  the  people;  and  what  he  gained  in  their  good  will  he 
never  lost.  His  personal  appearance,  his  address,  his  courtesy, 
and  hie  humanity,  won  the  way  to  the  hearts  of  all;  and  his 
knowledge  and  superiority  of  talents  secured  the  conquest.  A 
bright  and  lasting  fame  in  his  professioi ,  with  the  attendant 
consequences,  wealth  and  influence,  were  within  his  reach,  and 
near  at  hand:  but  the  calls  of  a  distracted  country  were  para- 
mount to  every  consideration  of  his  own  interests,  and  he  entered 
the  vortex  of  politics,  never  to  return  to  the  peaceful  course  of 
professional  labor. 

The  change  in  public  opinion  had  been  gradually  preparing 
the  minds  of  most  men  for  a  revolution.  This  was  not  openly 
avowed;  amelioration  of  treatment  for  the  present,  and  assu- 
rances of  kindness  in  future,  were  all  that  the  colonies  asked 
from  Great  Britain — but  these  they  did  not  receive.  The 
mother  country  mistook  the  spirit  of  her  children,  and  used 
threats  where  kindness  would  have  been  the  best  policy.  When 
Britain  declared  her  right  to  direct,  govern,  and  tax  us  in  any 
form,  and  at  all  times,  the  colonies  reasoned,  remonstrated,  and 
entreated  for  a  while;  and  when  these  means  did  not  answer, 
they  defied  and  resisted.  The  political  writers  of  the  province 
had  been  active  and  busy,  but  they  were  generally  screened  by 
fictitious  names,  or  sent  their  productions  anonymously  into  the 
world:  but  the  time  had  arrived,  when  speakers  of  nerve  and 
boldness  were  wanted  to  raise  their  voices  against  oppression  in 
every  shape.  Warren  possessed  first-rate  qualities  for  an  orator, 
and  had  early  declared  in  the  strongest  terms  his  political  senti- 
ments, which  were  somewhat  in  advance  of  public  opinion;  for 

M 


JOSEPH  WARREN.  2H5 

he  held  as  tyranny  all  taxation,  which  could  be  imposed  by  the 
British  parliament  upon  the  colonies.  In  times  of  danger,  the 
people  are  sagacious,  and  cling  to  those  who  best  can  serve  them; 
and  every  eye  was  on  him  in  every  emergency;  for  he  had  not 
only  the  firmness  and  decision  they  wished  for  in  a  leader,  but 
was  prudent  and  wary  in  all  his  plans.  His  first  object  was  to 
enlighten  the  people;  and  then  he  felt  sure  of  engaging  their 
feelings  in  the  general  cause.  He  knew  when  once  they  began, 
it  would  be  impossible  to  tread  back — independence  only  would 
satisfy  the  country. 

With  an  intention  of  directing  public  sentiment,  without  ap- 
pearing to  be  too  active,  he  met  frequently  with  a  considerable 
number  of  substantial  mechanics,  and  others  in  the  middling 
classes  of  society,  who  were  busy  in  politics.  This  crisis  re- 
quired such  a  man  as  they  found  him  to  be;  one  who  could 
discern  the  signs  of  the  times,  and  mould  the  ductile  materials 
to  his  will,  and  at  the  same  time  seem  only  to  follow  in  the  path 
of  others.  His  letter  to  Barnard,  which  attracted  the  notice 
of  government,  had  been  written  several  years  before,  in  1768; 
but  in  some  form  or  other  he  was  constantly  enlightening  the 
people  by  his  pen:  but  it  is  now  difficult,  and  of  no  great  im- 
portance to  trace  him  in  the  papers  of  that  period.  The  public 
was  not  then  always  right  in  designating  the  authors  of  political 
essays.  In  the  different  situations  in  which  he  was  called  to  act, 
he  assumed  as  many  characters  as  fable  has  ever  given  to  the 
tutelar  god  of  his  profession,  and  like  him,  in  every  one  of  them 
he  retained  the  wisdom  to  guide,  and  the  power  to  charm.  At 
one  time  he  might  be  found  restraining  the  impetuosity,  and 
bridling  the  fury  of  those  hot-headed  politicians,  who  felt  more 
than  they  reasoned,  and  dared  to  do  more  than  became  men. 
Such  was  his  versatility,  that  he  turned  from  these  lectures  of 
caution  and  prudence,  to  asserting  and  defending  the  most  bold 
and  undisguised  principles  of  liberty,  and  defying  in  their  very 
teeth  the  agents  of  the  crown.  Twice  he  was  elected  to  deliver 
the  oration  on  the  5th  of  March,  in  commemoration  of  the  mas- 
sacre;  and  his  orations  are  among  the  most  distinguished,  pn> 
duced  by  that  splendid  list  of  speakers  who  addressed  their 


296  JOSEPH  WARREN. 

fellow-citizens  on  this  subject,  so  interesting  to  them  all.  In 
these  productions,  generally,  the  immediate  causes  of  this  event 
were  overlooked,  and  the  remote  ones  alone  were  discussed. 
Here  they  were  on  safe  ground;  for  tyranny,  in  its  incipient 
stages,  has  no  excuse  from  opposition*,  but  in  its  march,  it  gen- 
erally finds  some  plausible  arguments  for  its  proceedings,  drawn 
from  the  very  resistance  it  naturally  produces.  These  occasions 
gave  the  orators  a  fine  field  for  remark,  and  a  fair  opportunity 
for  effect.  The  great  orators  of  antiquity,  in  their  speeches, 
attempted  only  to  rouse  the  people  to  retain  what  they  pos- 
sessed. Invective,  entreaty,  and  pride  had  their  effect  in  as- 
sisting those  mighty  masters  to  influence  the  people.  They 
were  ashamed  to  lose  what  their  fathers  left  them,  won  by  their 
blood,  and  so  long  preserved  by  their  wisdom,  their  virtues,  and 
their  courage.  Our  statesmen  had  a  harder  task  to  perform: 
for  they  were  compelled  to  call  on  the  people  to  gain  what  they 
had  never  enjoyed — in  independent  rank  and  standing  among 
the  nations  of  the  world. 

His  next  .oration  was  delivered  March  6th,  1775.  It  was  at 
his  own  solicitation  that  he  was  appointed  to  this  duty  a  second 
time.  The  fact  is  illustrative  of  his  character,  and  worthy  of 
remembrance.  Some  British  officers  of  the  army  then  in  Bos- 
ton, had  publicly  declared  that  it  should  be  at  the  price  of  the 
life  of  any  man  to  speak  of  the  event  of  March  5th,  1770,  on 
that  anniversary.  Warren's  soul  took  fire  at  such  a  threat,  so 
openly  made,  and  he  wished  for  the  honour  of  braving  it.  This 
was  readily  granted;  for  at  such  a  time  a  man  would  probably 
find  but  few  rivals.  Many  who  would  spurn  the  thought  of 
personal  fear,  might  be  apprehensive  that  they  would  be  so  far 
disconcerted  as  to  forget  their  discourse.  It  is  easier  to  fight 
bravely,  than  to  think  clearly  or  correctly  in  danger.  Passion 
sometimes  nerves  the  arm  to  fight,  but  disturbs  the  regular  cur- 
rent of  thought.  The  day  came,  and  the  weather  was  remark- 
ably fine.  The  Old  South  Meeting-house  was  crowded  at  an 
early  hour.  The  British  officers  occupied  the  aisles,  the  flight 
of  steps  to  the  pulpit,  and  several  of  them  were  within  it.  It 
was  not  precisely  known  whether  this  was  accident  or  design. 


JOSEPH  WARREN.  297 

The  orator,  with  the  assistance  of  his  friends,  made  his  entrance 
at  the  pulpit  window  by  a  ladder.  The  officers  seeing  his  cool- 
ness and  intrepidity,  made  way  for  him  to  advance  and  address 
the  audience.  An  awful  stillness  preceded  his  exordium.  Each 
man  felt  the  palpitations  of  his  own  heart,  and  saw  the  pale  bat 
determined  face  of  his  neighbor.  The  speaker  began  his  ora- 
tion in  a  firm  tone  of  voice,  and  proceeded  with  great  energy 
and  pathos.  Warren  and  hj.s  friends  were  prepared  to  chastise 
contumely,  prevent  disgrace,  and  avenge  an  attempt  at  assassi- 
nation. 

The  scene  was  sublime;  a  patriot,  in  whom  the  flush  of  youth 
and  the  grace  and  dignity  of  manhood  were  combined,  stood 
armed  in  the  sanctuary  of  God  to  animate  and  encourage  the 
sons  of  liberty  and  to  hurl  defiance  at  their  oppressors.  The 
orator  commenced  with  the  early  history  of  the  country,  descri- 
bed the  tenure  by  which  we  held  our  liberties  and  property, 
the  affection  we  had  constantly  shown  the  parent  country,  and 
boldly  told  them  how,  and  by  whom  these  blessings  of  life  had 
been  violated.  There  was  in  this  appeal  to  Britain — in  this 
description  of  suffering,  agony  and  horror,  a  calm  and  high- 
souled  defiance  hich  must  have  chilled  the  blood  of  every  sen- 
sible foe.  Such  another  hour  has  seldom  happened  in  the  his- 
tory of  man,  and  is  not  surpassed  in  the  records  of  nations. 
The  thunders  of  Demosthenes  rolled  at  a  distance  from  Philip 
and  his  host — and  Tully  poured  the  fiercest  torrent  of  his  invec- 
tive when  Cataline  was  at  a  distance,  and  his  dagger  no  longer 
to  be  feared:  but  Warren's  speech  was  made  to  proud  oppres- 
sors resting  on  their  arms,  whose  errand  it  was  to  overawe,  and 
whose  business  it  n  as  to  fight. 

If  the  deed  of  Brutus  deserved  to  be  commemmorated  by  his- 
tory, poetry,  painting  and  sculpture,  should  not  this  instance  of 
patriotism  and  bravery  be  held  in  lasting  remembrance?     If  he 

"  That  struck  the  foremost  man  of  all  this  world," 

was  hailed  as  the  first  of  freemen,  what  honors  are  not  due  to 
him,  who,  undismayed,  bearded  the  British  lion,  to  show  the 
world  what  his  countrymen  dared  to  do  in  tjie  cause  of  liberty? 
38 


i98  JOSEPH  WARREN. 

If  the  statue  of  Brutus  was  placed  among  those  of  the  gods, 
who  were  the  preservers  of  Roman  freedom,  should  not  that  of 
Warren  fill  a  lofty  niche  in  the  temple  reared  to  perpetuate 
the  remembrance  of  our  birth  as  a  nation? 

If  independence  was  not  at  first  openly  avowed  by  our  lead- 
ing men  at  that  time,  the  hope  of  attaining  it  was  fondly  cher- 
ished and  the  exertions  of  the  patriots  pointed  to  this  end.  The 
wise  knew  that  the  storm,  which  the  political  Prosperos  were 
raising,  would  pass  away  in  blood.  With  these  impressions 
on  his  mind,  Warren  for  several  years  was  preparing  himself  by 
study  and  observation,  to  take  a  conspicuous  rank  in  the  mili- 
tary arrangements  which  he  knew  must  ensue. 

On  the  18th  of  April,  1775,  by  his  agents  in  Boston,  he  dis- 
covered the  design  of  the  British  commander  to  sieze  or  destroy 
our  few  stores  at  Concord.  He  instantly  despatched  several 
confidential  messengers  to  Lexington.  The  late  venerable  pa- 
triot, Paul  Revere,  was  one  of  them.  This  gentleman  has  given 
a  very  interesting  account  of  the  difficulties  he  encountered  in 
the  discharge  of  this  duty.  The  alarm  was  given,  and  the  mi- 
litia, burning  with  resentment,  were  at  daybreak  on  the  19th, 
on  the  road  to  repel  insult  and  aggression.  The  drama  was 
opened  about  sunrise,  within  a  few  yards  of  the  house  of  God. 
in  Lexington.  Warren  hastened  to  the  field  of  action  in  the 
full  ardor  of  his  soul,  and  shared  the  dangers  of  the  day. 
While  pressing  on  the  enemy,  a  musket-ball  took  off  a  lock"  of 
his  hair  close  to  his  ear.  The  lock  was  rolled  and  pinned,  after 
the  fashion  of  that  day,  and  considerable  force  must  have  been 
necessary  to  have  tut  it  away.  The  people  were  delighted 
with  his  cool,  collected  bravery,  and  already  considered  him 
as  a  leader,  whose  gallantry  they  were  to  admire  and  in  whose 
talents  they  Avere  to  confide.  On  the  14th  of  June,  1775,  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  made  him  a  major  gene- 
ral of  their  forces,  but  previous  to  the  date  of  his  commission, 
he  had  been  unceasing  in  his  exertions  to  maintain  order  and 
enforce  discipline  among  the  troops,  which  had  hastily  assem- 
bled at  Cambridge,  after  the  battle  of  Lexington.  He  mingled 
to  the  ranks,  and  by  every  method  and  argument  strove  to  in-- 


JOSEPH  WARREN.  299 

spire  them  with  confidence,  and  succeeded  in  a  most  wonderful 
manner  in  imparting  to  them  a  portion  of  the  flame  which 
glowed  in  his  own  breast.  At  such  a  crisis  genius  receives  its 
birth-right — the  homage  of  inferior  minds,  who  for  self-preser- 
vation are  willing  to  be  directed.  Previous  to  receiving  the 
appointment  of  major  general,  he  had  been  requested  to  take 
the  office  of  physician  general  to  the  army,  but  he  chose  to  be 
where  the  wounds  were  to  be  made,  rather  than  where  they 
were  to  be  healed.  Yet  he  lent  his  aid  and  advice  to  the  me- 
dical department  of  the  army,  and  was  of  great  service  to  them 
in  their  organization  and  arrangements. 

He  was  at  this  time  president  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
having  been  elected  the  preceding  year  a  member  from  the 
town  of  Boston.  In  this  body  he  discovered  his  extraordinary 
powers  of  mind,  and  his  peculiar  fitness  for  responsible  offices 
at  such  a  juncture.  Cautious  in  proposing  measures,  he  was 
assiduous  in  pursuing  what  he  thought,  after  mature  delibera- 
tion, to  be  right,  and  never  counted  the  probable  cost  of  a  mea- 
sure, when  he  had  decided  that  it  was  necessary  to  be  taken. 
When  this  congress,  which  was  sitting  at  Watertown,  adjourned 
for  the  day,  he  mounted  his  horse  and  hastened  to  the  camp. 
Every  day  '  he  bought  golden  opinions  of  all  sorts  of  men;'  and 
when  the  troops  were  called  to  act  on  Breed's  Hill,  he  had  so 
often  been  among  them,  that  his  person  was  known  to  most  of 
the  soldiers. 

Several  respectable  historians  have  fallen  into  some  errors  in 
describing  the  battle  in  which  he  fell,  by  giving  the  command 
of  the  troops  on  that  day  to  Warren,  when  he  was  only  a  volun- 
teer in  the  fight.  He  did  not  arrive  on  the  battle  ground  until 
the  enemy  had  commenced  their  movements  for  the  attack.  As 
soon  as  he  made  his  appearance  on  the  field,  the  veteran  com- 
mander of  the  day,  Colonel  Prescott,  desired  to  act  under  his 
directions,  but  Warren  declined  taking  any  other  part  than  that 
of  a  volunteer,  and  added  that  became  to  learn  the  art  of  war 
from  an  experienced  soldier,  whose  orders  he  should  be  happy 
to  obey.  In  the  battle  he  was  armed  with  a  musket,  and  stood 
in  the  ranks,  now  and  then  changing  his  place  to  encourage  hi? 


300  JOSEPH  WARREN. 

fellow-soldiers  by  words  and  by  example.  He  undoubtedly, 
from  the  state  of  hostilities,  expected  soon  to  act  in  his  high 
military  capacity,  and  it  was  indispensable,  according  to  his 
views,  that  he  should  sh  ue  the  dangers  of  the  held  as  a  common 
soldier  with  his  fellow-citizens,  that  his  reputation  for  bravery 
might  be  put  beyond  the  possibility  of  suspicion.  The  wisdom 
of  sueh  a  course  would  never  have  been  doubted,  if  he  had  re- 
turned in  safety  from  the  fight.  In  such  a  struggle  for  indepen- 
dence, the  ordinary  rules  of  prudence  and  caution  could  not 
govern  those  who  were  building  up  their  names  for  future  use- 
fulness by  present  exertion.  Some  maxims  drawn  from  the 
republican  writers  of  antiquity  were  worn  as  their  mottoes. 
Some  precepts  descriptive  of  the  charms  of  liberty,  were  ever 
on  their  tongues,  and  some  classical  model  of  Greek,  or  Roman 
patriotism,  .was  constantly  in  their  minds.  Instances  of  great 
men  mixing  in  the  rank  of  common  soldiers,  were  to  be  found 
in  ancient  times,  when  men  fought  for  their  altars  and  their 
homes.  The  cases  were  parallel,  and  the  examples  were  impo- 
sing. Vv  hen  the  battle  was  decided,  and  our  people  fled,  War- 
ren Avas  one  of  the  last  who  left  the  breastwork,  and  was  slain 
within  a  few  yards  of  it  as  he  was  slowly  retiring.  He  proba- 
bly felt  mortified  at  the  event  of  the  day,  but  had  he  known 
how  dearly* the  victory  was  purchased,  and  how  little  honour 
was  gained  by  those  who  won  it,  his  heart  would  have  been  at 
rest.  Lil^e  the  band  of  Leonidas,  the  vanquished  have  received 
by  the  judgment  of  nations,  from  which  there  is  no  appeal,  the 
imperishable  laurels  of  victors.  His  death  brought  a  sickness' 
to  the  heart  of  the  community,  and  the  people  mourned  his  fal^ 
not  with  the  convulsive  agony  of  a  betrothed  virgin  over  the 
bleeding  corpse  of  her  lover — but  with  the  pride  of  the  Spartan 
mother,  who  in  the  intensity  of  her  grief,  smiled  to  see  that  the 
wounds  whence  life  had  flown,  were  on  the  breast  of  her  son — 
and  was  satisfied  that  he  had  died  in  defence  of  his  country. 
The  worth  of  the  victim,  and  the  horror  of  the  sacrifice,  gave 
a  higher  value  to  our  liberties,  and  produced  a  more  fixed  de- 
termination to  preserve  them. 

The  battle  of  Bunker  Hill  has  often  been  described,  and  of 


JOSEPH  WARREN.  301 

late  its  minutest  details  given  to  the  public,  but  never  was  the 
military,  moral,  and  political  character  of  that  great  event  more 
forcibly  drawn,  than  in  the  following  extract  from  the  North 
American  Review,  for  July,  1818: — 

"  The  incidents  and  the  result  of  the  battle  itself,  were  most 
important,  and  indeed,  most  wonderful.  As  a  mere  battle,  few 
Surpass  it  in  whatever  engages  and  interests  the  attention.  It 
was  fought  on  a  conspicuous  eminence,  in  the  immediate  neigh- 
borhood of  a  populous  city;  and  consequently  in  the  view  of 
thousands  of  spectators.  The  attacking  army  moved  over  a 
sheet  of  water  to  the  assault.  The  operations  and  movements 
were  of  course  all  visible  and  all  distinct.  Those  who  looked 
on  from  the  houses  and  heights  of  Boston  had  a  fuller  view  of 
every  important  operation  and  event,  than  can  ordinarily  be  had 
of  any  battle,  or  that  can  possibly  be  had  of  suoh  as  are  fought 
on  a  more  extended  ground,  or  by  detachments  of  troops  acting 
in  different  places,  and  at  different  times,  and  in  some  measure 
independently  of  each  other. — When  the  British  columns  were 
advancing  to  the  attack,  the  flames  of  Charlestown,  (fired,  as  is 
generally  supposed,  by  a  shell,)  began  to  ascend.  The  specta- 
tors, far  outnumbering  both  armies,  thronged  and  crowded  on 
every  height  and  every  point  which  afforded  a  view  of  the  scene, 
themselves  constituting  a  very  important  part  of  it. 

"  The  troops  of  the  two  armies  seemed  like  so  many  comba- 
tants in  an  amphitheatre. — Thp  manner  in  which  they  should 
acquit  themselves,  was  to  be  judged  of,  not  as  in  other  cases  of 
military  engagements,  by  reports  and  future  history,  but  by  a 
vast  and  anxious  assembly  already  on  the  spot,  and  waiting  with 
unspeakable  concern  and  emotion  the  progress  of  the  day. 

"  In  other  battles  the  recollection  of  wives  and  children  has 
been  used  as  an  excitement  to  animate  the  warrior's  breast  and 
nerve  his  arm.  Here  was  not  a  mere  recollection,  but  an  actual 
presence  of  them  and  other  dear  connexions,  hanging  on  the  skirts 
of  the  battle,  anxious  and  agitated,  feeling  almost  as  if  wound- 
ed themselves  by  every  blow  of  the  enemy,  and  putting  forth, 
as  it  were,  their  own  strength,  and  all  the  energy  of  their  own 
throbbing  bosoms,  iuto  every  gallant  effort  of  their  warring 
friends. 


302  JOSEPH  WARREN. 

"But  there  was  a  more  comprehensive  and  vastly  more  im- 
portant view  of  that  day's  contest,  than  has  been  mentioned, — 
a  vtew,  indeed,  which  ordinary  eyes,  bent  intently  on  what  was 
immediately  before  them,  did  not  embrace,  but  which  was  per- 
ceived in  its  full  extent  and  expansion  by  minds  of  a  higher 
order.  Those  men  who  were  at  the  head  of  the  colonial  coun- 
cils, who  had  been  engaged  for  years  in  the  previous  stages  of 
the  quarrel  with  England,  and  who  had  been  accustomed  to  look 
forward  to  the  future,  were  well  apprised  of  the  magnitude  of 
the  events  likely  to  hang  on  the  business  of  that  day.  They  saw 
in  it  not  only  a  battle,  but  the  beginning  of  a  civil  war,  of  un- 
measured extent  and  uncertain  issue.  All  America  and  all  Eng- 
land were  likely  to  be  deeply  concerned  in  the  consequences.. 
The  individuals  themselves,  who  knew  full  well  what  agency 
they  had  had,  m  bringing  affairs  to  this  crisis,  had  neec7  of  all 
their  courage ; — riot  that  disregard  of  personal  safety,  in  Which 
the  vulgar  suppose  true  courage  to  consist,  but  that  high  and 
fixed  moral  sentiment,  that  steady  and  decided  purpose,  which 
enables  men  to  pursue  a  distant  end,  with  a  full  view  of  the  diffi- 
culties and  dangers  before  them,  and  with  a  conviction  that, 
before  they  arrive  at  the  proposed  end,  should  they  ever  reach 
it,  they  must  pass  through  evil  report  as  well  as  good  report,  and 
be  liable  to  obloquy,  as  well  as  to  defeat. 

"  Spirits,  that  fear  nothing  else,  fear  disgrace ;  and  this  danger 
is  necessarily  encountered  by  those  who  engage  in  civil  war. 
Unsuccessful  resistance  is  not  only  ruin  to  its  authors,  but  is 
esteemed,  and  necessarily  so,  by  the  laws  of  all  countries,  trea- 
sonable. This  is  the  case,  at  least  till  resistance  becomes  so 
general  and  formidable  as  to  assume  the  form  of  regular  war. 
But  who  can  tell,  when  resistance  commences,  whether  it  will 
attain  even  to  that  degree  of  success?  Some  of  those  persons 
who  signed  the  Declaration  of  Independence  in  1776,  described 
themselves  as  signing  it,,  "as  with  halters  about  their  necks.'* 
If  there  were  grounds  for  this  remark  in  1776,  when  the  cause 
had  become  so  much  more  general,  how  much  greater  was  the 
hazard,  when  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill  was  fought? 

"These  considerations  constituted,  to  enlarged  and  liberal 


JOSEPH  |  WARREN.  308 

minds,  the  moral  sublimity  of  the  occasion;  while  to  the  out- 
ward senses  the  movement  of  armies,  the  roar  of  artillery,  the 
brilliancy  of  the  reflection  of  a  summer's  sun,  from  the  bur- 
nished armour  of  the  British  columns,  and  the  flames  of  a  burn- 
ing town  made  up  a  scene  of  extraordinary  grandeur." 

This  eminence  has  become  sacred  ground.  It  contains  in  its 
bosom  the  ashes  of  the  brave  who  died  fighting  to  defend  their 
altars  and  their  homes.  Strangers  from  till  countries  visit  this 
spot,  for  it  is  associated  in  their  memories  with  Marathon  and 
Plataeae,  and  all  the  mighty  struggles  of  determined  freemen. 
Our  citizens  love  to  wander  over  tnis  field — the  aged  to  awake 
recollections,  and  the  youthful  10  excite  heroic  emotions.  The 
battle  ground  is  now  all  plainly  to  be  seen — the  spirit  of  mod- 
ern improvement,  which  would  stop  the  streams  of  Helicon  to 
turn  a  mill,  and  cause  to  be  felled  the  trees  of  Paradise  to  make 
a  rafter,  has  yet  spared  this  hallowed  height. 

If  "the  days  of  chivalrj  be  gone  forever,1'  and  the  high  and 
enthusiastic  feelings  of  generosity  and  magnanimity  be  not  so 
widely  diffused  as  in  more  heroic  ages,  yet  it  cannot  be  denied 
but  that  there  have  been,  and  still  are,  individuals  whose  bosoms 
are  warmed  with  a  spirit  as  glowing  and  etherial  as  ever  swelled 
the  heart  of  "mailed  knight,"  who,  in  the  ecstacies  of  love,  re- 
ligion and  martial  glory,  joined  the  war-cry  on  the  plains  of 
Palestine,  or  proved  his  steel  on  the  infidel  foe.  The  history  of 
every  revolution  is  i-terspersed  with  brilliant  episodes  of  indi 
vidual  prowess.  The  pages  of  our  own  history,  when  full) 
written  out,  will  sparkle  profusely  with  these  gems  of  romantic . 
valor. 

The  calmness  and  indifference  of  the  veteran  "in  clouds  of 
dust  and  seas  of  blood,"  can  only  be  acquired  by  long  acquaint- 
ance with  the  trade  of  death ;  but  the  heights  of  Charlestown  will 
bear  eternal  testimony  how  suddenly,  in  the  cause  of  freedom 
the  peaceful  citizen  can  become  the  invincible  warrior — stung 
by  oppression  he  springs  forward  from  his  tranquil  pursuits,  un- 
daunted by  opposition,  and  undismayed  by  danger,  to  fight  even 
to  death  for  the  defence  of  his  rights.  Parents,  wives,  children 
and  country,  all  the  hallowed  properties  of  existence,  are  to 


304  JOSEPH  WARREN. 

him  the  talisman  that  takes  fear  from  his  heart,  and  nerves  hi? 
arm  to  victory. 

In  the  requiem  over  those  who  have  fallen  in'  the  cause  oj 
their  country,  which 

"  Time  with  his  own  eternal  lips  shall  sing," 
the  praises  of  Warren  shall  be  distinctly  heard.  The  blood  of 
those  patriots  who  have  fallen  in  the  defence  of  Republics  has 
often  "  cried  from  the  ground"  against  the  ingratitude  of  the 
country  for  which  it  was  shed.  No  monument  was  reared  to 
their  fame,  no  record  of  their  virtues  written;  no  fostering  hand 
extended  to  their  offspring — but  they  and  their  deeds  were  ne- 
glected and  forgotten.  Toward  Warren  there  was  no  ingrati- 
tude— our  country  is  free  from  this  stain.  Congress  were  the 
guardians  of  his  honour,  and  remembered  that  his  children  were 
unprotected  orphans.  Within  a  year  after  his  death,  Congress 
passed  the  following  resolutions: — 

"  That  a  monument  be  erected  to  the  memory  of  General 
WarreD,  in  the  town  of  Boston,  with  the  following  inscription: 

IN  HONOUR  OF 

JOSEPH  WARREN, 

Major  General,  of  Massachusetts  Bay. 

He  devoted  his  Life  to  the 

liberties  of  his  country, 

and  in  bravely  defending  them., 

fell  an  early  victim  in  the 

BATTLE  OF  BUNKER  HILL, 

June  17,  1775. 

The  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

as  an  acknowledgment  of  his 

services  and  distinguished 

merit,  have  erected  this 

monument  to  his 

memory. 

It  was  resolved  likewise,  « That  the  eldest  son  of  General 

Warren  should  be  educated  from  that  time  at  the  expense  of 

the  United  States.'      On  the  first  of  July,  1780,  Congress 


PELEG  WADSWORTH.  305 

recognising  these  former  resolutions,  further  resolved  'That  it 
should  be  recommended  to  the  executive  of  Massachusetts  Bay 
to  make  provision  for  the  maintenance  and  education  of  his 
three  younger  children.  And  that  Congress  would  defray  the 
expense  to  the  amount  of  the  half  pay  of  a  major-general,  to 
commence  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  continue  till  the 
youngest  of  the  children  should  be  of  age.'  The  part  of  the 
resolutions  relating  to  the  education  of  the  children,  was  car- 
ried into  effect  accordingly.  The  monument  is  not  yet  erected, 
but  it  is  not  too  late.  The  shade  of  Warren  will  not  repine  at 
this  neglect,  while  the  ashes  of  Washington  repo9e  without 
gravestone  or  epitaph."* 


PELEG   WADSWORTH, 

General  of  the  Massachusetts  Militia. 

*  The  following  is  an  abstract  of  an  interesting  narrative  ta^ 
ken  from  the  travels  of  the  late  Dr.  Dwight. 

'  After  the  failure  of  the  expedition  against  the  British  garri- 
son at  Penobscot,  General  Peleg  Wadsworth  was  appointed  in 
the  spring  of  1780,  to  the  command  of  a  party  of  state  troops 
in  Camden,  in  the  District  of  Maine.  At  the  expiration  of  the 
period  for  which  the  troops  were  engaged,  in  February  follow- 
ing, General  Wadsworth  dismissed  his  troops,  retaining  six  sol- 
diers only  as  his  guard,  and  he  was  making  preparations  to  depart 
from  the  place.  A  neighboring  inhabitant  communicated  his 
situation  to  the  British  commander  at  Penobscot,  and  a  party  of 
twenty-five  soldiers,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Stockton,  was 
sent  to  make  him  a  prisoner.  They  embarked  in  a  small 
schooner,  and  landing  within  four  miles  of  the  general's  quar- 
ters, they  were  concealed  at  the  house  of  one  Snow,  a  methodist 
preacher,  professedly  a  friend  to  him,  but  really  a  traitor,  till 
eleven  o'clock  in  the  evening,  where  they  made  their  arrange- 
ments for  the  attack  on  the  general's  quarters.      The  party 

r  *  Biographical  Sketches. 

?9 


30G  TELEG  WADSYVuRTH. 

rushed  suddenly  on  the  sentinel,  who  gave  the  alarm,  and  one 
of  his  comrades  instantly  opened  the  door  of  the  kitchen,  and 
the  enemy  were  so  near  as  to  enter  with  the  sentinel.  The  lady 
of  the  general,  and  her  friend  Miss  Feuno,  of  Boston,  were  in 
the  house  at  the  time;  and  Mrs.  Wadsworth  escaped  from  the 
room  of  her  husband  into  that  of  Miss  Fenno.  The  assailants 
soon  became  masters  of  the  whole  house,  except  the  room  where 
the  general  was,  and  which  was  strongly  barred,  and  they  kept 
up  a  constant  firing  of  musketry  into  the  windows  and  doors,  ex- 
cept into  those  of  the  ladies'  room.  Gen.  Wadsworth  was  pro- 
Tided  with  a  pair  of  pistols,  a  blunderbuss,  and  a  fusee,  which 
he  employed  with  great  dexterity,  being  determined  to  defend 
himself  to  the  last  moment.  With  his  pistols,  which  he  dis- 
charged several  times,  he  defended  the  windows  of  his  room, 
and  a  door  which  opened  into  the  kitchen.  His  blunderbuss 
he  snapped  several  times,  but  unfortunately  it  missed  fire;  he 
then  seized  his  fusee,  which  he  discharged  on  some  who  were 
breaking  through  one  of  the  windows,  and  obliged  them  to  flee. 
He  next  defended  himself  with  his  bayonet,  till  he  received  a 
ball  through  his  left  arm,  when  he  surrendered,  which  termi- 
nated the  contest.  The  firing,  however,  did  not  cease  from  the 
ki<chen,  till  the  general  unbarred  the  door,  when  the  soldiers 
rushed  into  the  room;  and  one  of  them,  who  had  been  baclh 
wounded,  pointing  his  musket  at  his  breast,  exclaimed  with  an 
oath, 'you  have  taken  my  life,  and  I  will  take  yours.'  But 
Lieutenant  Stockton  turned  the  musket,  and  saved  his  life. 
The  commanding  officer  now  applauded  the  general  for  his 
admirable  defence,  and  assisted  in  putting  on  his  clothes,  saying, 
'you  see  we  are  in  a  critical  situation;  you  must  excuse  haste.' 
Mrs.  Wadsworth  threw  a  blanket  over  him,  and  Miss  Fenno 
applied  a  handkerchief  closely  around  his  wounded  arm.  In 
this  condition,  though  much  exhausted,  he,  with  a  wounded 
American  soldier,  was  directed  to  march  on  foot,  while  two  Brit- 
ish wounded  soldiers  were  mounted  on  a  horse  taken  from  the 
general's  barn.  They  departed  in  great  haste.  When  they 
had  proceeded  about  a  mile,  they  met  at  a  small  house  a  num- 
ber of  people  who  had  collected,  and  who  inquired  if  they  had 


FELEG  WADSWORTH.  307 

taken  General  Wadsworth.  They  said  no,  and  added  that  they 
must  leave  a  wounded  man  in  their  care;  and  if  they  paid  pro- 
per attention  to  him,  they  should  be  compensated;  but  if  not, 
they  would  burn  down  their  house ;  but  the  man  appeared  to  be 
dying.  General  Wadsworth  was  now  mounted  on  the  horse, 
behind  the  other  wounded  soldier,  and  was  warned  that  his 
safety  depended  on  his  silence.  Having  crossed  over  a  frozen 
mill-pond,  about  a  mile  in  length,  they  were  met  by  some  of  their 
party  who  had  been  left  behind.  At  this  place  they  found  the 
British  privateer  which  brought  the  party  from  the  fort:  the 
captain,  on  being  told  that  he  must  return  there  with  the  pri- 
soner and  the  party,  and  seeing  some  of  his  men  wounded,  be- 
came outrageous,  and  damned  the  general  for  a  rebel,  demanded 
how  he  dared  to  fire  on  the  king's  troops,  and  ordered  him  to 
help  launch  the  boat,  or  he  would  put  his  hanger  through  his 
body.  The  general  replied  that  he  was  a  prisoner,  and  badly 
wounded,  and  could  not  assist  in' launching  the  boat.  Lieu- 
tenant Stockton,  on  hearing  of  this  abusive  treatment,  in  & 
manner  honourable  to  himself,  told  the  captain  that  the  pri- 
soner was  a  gentleman,  had  made  a  brave  defence,  and  was  to 
be  treated  accordingly,  and  added,  that  his  conduct  should  be 
represented  to  General  Campbell.  After  this  the  captain 
treated  the  prisoner  with  great  civility,  and  afforded  hirn  every 
comfort  in  his  power.  General  Wadsworth  had  left  the  ladies 
in  the  house,  not  a  window  of  which  escaped  destruction.  The 
doors  were  broken  down,  and  two  of  the  rooms  were  set  on  fire, 
the  floors  covered  with  blood,  and  on  one  of  them  lay  a  brave 
old  soldier  dangerously  wounded,  begging  for  death,  that  he 
might  be  released  from  misery.  The  anxiety  and  distress  of 
Mrs.  Wadsworth  was  inexpressible,  and  that  of  the  general  was 
greatly  increased  by  the  uncertainty  in  his  mind  respecting  the 
fate  of  his  little  son,  only  five  years  old,  who  had  been  exposed 
to  every  danger  by  the  firing  into  the  house;  but  he  had  the 
happiness  afterward  to  hear  of  his  safety.  Having  arrived  at 
the  British  post,  the  capture  of  General  Wadsworth  was  soon 
announced,  and  the  shore  thronged  with  spectators,  to  see  the 
man  who,  through  the  preceding  year,  had  disappointed  all  the 


308  PELEG  WADSWORTH. 

designs  of  the  British  in  that  quarter;  and  loud  shouts  were- 
heard  from  the  rabble  which  covered  the  shore;  but  when  he 
arrived  at  the  fort,  and  was  conducted  into  the  officers1  guard- 
room, he  was  treated  with  politeness.  General  Campbell,  the 
commandant  of  the  British  garrison,  sent  his  compliments  to 
him,  and  a  surgeon  to  dress  his  wounds;  assuring  him  that  his 
situation  should  be  made  comfortable.  The  next  morning,  Gen. 
Campbell  invited  him  to  breakfast,  and  at  table  paid  him  many 
compliments  on  the  defence  he  had  made,  observing,  however, 
that  he  had  exposed  himself  in  a  degree  not  perfectly  justifiable. 
General  Wadsworth  replied,  that  from  the  manner  of  the  attack 
he  had  no  reason  to  suspect  any  design  of  taking  him  alive,  and 
that  he  intended  therefore  to  sell  his  life  as  dearly  as  possible. 
*But  sir,'  says  General  Campbell,  'I  understand  that  the  cap- 
tain of  the  privateer  treated  you  very  ill ;  I  shall  see  that  matter 
set  right.'  He  then  informed  the  prisoner,  that  a  room  in  the 
officers'  barracks  within  the' fort  was  prepared  for  him,  and  that 
he  should  send  his  orderly  sergeant  daily  to  attend  him  to  break- 
fast and  dinner  at  his  table.  Having  retired  to  his  solitary 
apartment,  and  while  his  spirits  were  extremely  depressed  by 
a  recollection  of  the  past,  and  by  his  present  situation,  he  re- 
ceived from  General  Campbell  several  books  of  amusement, 
and  soon  after  a  visit  from  him,  kindly  endeavoring  to  cheer 
the  spirits  of  his  prisoner  by  conversation.  Not  long  after,  the 
officers  of  the  party  called,  and  among  others  the  redoubtable 
captain  of  the  privateer,  who  called  to  ask  pardon  for  what  had 
fallen  from  him  when  in  a  passion:  adding  that  it  was  not  in  his 
nature  to  treat  a  gentleman  prisoner  ill;  that  the  unexpected 
disappointment  of  his  cruise  had  thrown  him  off  his  guard,  and 
he  hoped  that  this  would  be  deemed  a  sufficient  apology.  This 
General  Wadsworth  accepted.  At  the  hour  of  dining  he  was 
invited  to  the  table  of  the  commandant,  where  he  met  with  all 
the  principal  officers  of  the  garrison,  and  from  whom  he  received 
particular  attention  and  politeness.  General  Wadsworth  soon 
made  application  to  the  commandant  for  a  flag  of  truce,  by  which 
means  he  could  transmit  a  letter  to  the  governor  of  Massachu- 
setts, aftd  another  to  Mrs.  Wadsworth:  this  was  granted,  on  the 


i  a. 


PELEG  WADSWORTH.  '       309 

condition  that  the  letter  to  the  governor  should  be  inspected. 
The  flag  was  intrusted  to  Lieutenant  Stockton,  and  on  his  re- 
turn, the  general  was  relieved  from  all  anxiety  respecting  his 
wife  and  family.  General  Campbell,  and  the  officers  of  the 
garrison,  continued  their  civilities  for  some  time,  and  endea- 
voured, by  books  and  personal  visits,  to  render  his  situation  as 
pleasant  as  circumstances  would  admit  of.  At  the  end  of  five 
weeks,  his  wound  being  nearly  healed,  he  requested  of  General 
Campbell  the  customary  privilege  of  a  parole,  and  received  in 
reply,  that  his  case  had  been  reported  to  the  commanding  officer 
at  New- York,  and  that  no  alteration  could  be  made  till  orders 
were  received  from  that  quarter.  In  about  two  months,  Mrs. 
Wadsworth  and  Miss  Fenno  arrived ;  and  General  Campbell, 
and  some  of  the  officers,  contributed  to  render  their  visit  agree- 
able to  all  concerned.  About  the  same  time,  orders  were  re- 
ceived from  the  commanding  general  at  New- York,  which  were 
concealed  from  General  Wadsworth;  but  he  finally  learnt  that 
he  was  not  to  be  paroled  nor  exchanged,  but  was  to  be  sent  to 
England  as  a  rebel  of  too  much  consequence  to  be  at  liberty. 
Not  long  afterward  Major  Benjamin  Burton,  a  brave  and  worthy 
man,  who  had  served  under  General  Wadsworth  the  preceding 
summer,  was  taken  and  brought  into  the  fort,  and  lodged  in  the 
same  room  with  General  Wadsworth.  He  had  been  informed, 
that  both  himself  and  the  general  were  to  be  sent,  immediately 
after  the  return  of  a  privateer,  now  out  on  a  cruise,  either  to 
New-York  or  Halifax,  and  thence  to  England.  The  prisoners 
immediately  resolved  to  make  a  desperate  attempt  to  effect  their 
escape.  They  were  confined  in  a  grated  room  in  the  officers' 
barracks,  within  the  fort.  The  walls  of  this  fortress,  exclusively 
of  the  depth  of  the  ditch  surrounding  it,  were  twenty  feet  high, 
with  fraising  on  the  top,  and  chevaux-de-frise  at  the  bottom. 
Two  sentinels  were  always  in  the  entry, and  their  door, the  upper 
part  of  which  was  of  glass,  might  be  opened  by  these  watchmen 
whenever  they  thought  proper,  and  was  actually  opened  at  sea- 
sons of  peculiar  darkness  and  silence.  At  the  exterior  doors  of 
the  entries,  sentinels  were  also  stationed;  as  were  others  in  the 
body  of  the  fort,  and  at  the  quarters  of  Gen.  Campbell.    At  the 


310      •  PELEG  WADSWORTH. 

guard-house,  a  strong  guard  was  daily  mounted.  Several  sen- 
tinels were  stationed  on  the  walls  of  the  fort,  and  a  complete 
line  occupied  them  by  night.  Without  the  ditch,  glacis  and 
abattis,  another  complete  set  of  soldiers  patroled  through  the 
night,  also.  The  gate  of  the  fort  was  shut  at  sunset,  and  a 
piquet  guard  was  placed  on  or  near  the  isthmus  leading  from 
the  fort  to  the  main  land. 

The  room  in  which  they  were  confined  was  railed  with  boards. 
One  of  these  they  determined  to  cut  off  so  as  to  make  a  hole 
large  enough  to  pass  through,  and  then  to  creep  along  till  they 
should  come  to  the  next  or  middle  entry;  and  then  lower  them- 
selves down  into  this  entry  by  a  blanket.  If  they  should  not  be 
discovered,  the  passage  to  the  walls  of  the  fort  was  easy.  In 
the  evening,  after  the  sentinels  had  seen  the  prisoners  retire  to 
bed,  General  Wadsworth  got  up  and  standing  on  a  chair,  at- 
tempted to  cut  with  his  knife  the  intended  opening,  but  soon 
found  it  impracticable.  The  next  day  by  giving  a  soldier  a 
dollar,  they  procured  a  gimblet.  With  this  instrument  they 
proceeded  cautiously  and  as  silently  as  possible  to  perforate  the 
board,  and  in  order  to  conceal  every  appearance  from  their 
servants  and  from  the  officers  their  visiters,  they  carefully  co- 
vered the  gimblet  holes  with  chewed  bread.  At  the  end  of 
three  weeks  their  labours  were  so  far  completed  that  it  only 
remained  to  cut  with  a  knife  the  parts  which  were  left  to  hold 
the  piece  in  its  place.  When  their  preparations  were  finished, 
they  learned  that  a  privateer  in  which  they  were  to  embark  was 
daily  expected.  In  the  evening  of  the  18th  of  June,  a  very 
■severe  storm  of  rain,  with  great  darkness  and  almost  incessant 
lightning  came  on.  This  the  prisoners  considered  as  the  propi- 
tious moment.  Having  extinguished  their  lights,  they  began  to 
cut  the  corners  of  the  board,  and  in  less  than  an  hour  the  in- 
tended opening  was  completed.  The  noise  which  the  operation 
occasioned  was  drowned  by  the  rain  falling  on  the  roof.  Major 
Burton  first  ascended  to  the  ceiling,  and  pressed  himself  through 
the  opening.  Gen.  Wadsworth  next,  having  put  the  corner  of 
his  blanket  through  the  hole  and  made  it  fast  by  a  strong  wooden 
skewer,  attempted  to  make  his  way  through,  standing  on  a  chair 


PELEG  WADSWORTH.  311 

"below,  but  it  was  with  extreme  difficulty  that  he  at  length  ef- 
fected it,  and  reached  the  middle  entry.  From  this  he  passed 
through  the  door  which  he  found  open,  and  made  his  way  to  the 
wall  of  the  fort,  and  had  to  encounter  the  greatest  difficulty 
before  he  could  ascend  to  the  top.  He  had  now  to  creep  along 
the  top  of  the  fort  between  the  sentry  boxes  at  the  very  moment 
when  the  relief  was  shifting  sentinels,  but  the  falling  of  heavy 
rain  kept  the  sentinels  within  their  boxes,  and  favoured  his  es-' 
cape.  Having  now  fastened  Ins  blanket  round  a  picket  at  the 
top,  he  let  himself  down  through  the  chevaux-de-frise  to  the 
ground,  and  in  a  manner  astonishing  to  himself  made  his  way 
into  the  open  held.  Here  he  was  obliged  to  grope  his  way 
among  rocks;  stumps,  and  brush  in  the  darkness  of  night,  till  he 
reached  the  cove;  happily  the  tide  had  ebbed  and  enabled  him 
to  cross  the  water  about  a  mile  in  breadth,  and  not  more  than 
three  feet  deep.  About  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  General 
Wadsworth  found  himself  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  fort,  and 
he  proceeded  through  a  thick  wood  and  brush  to  the  Penobscot 
River,  and  after  passing  some  distance  along  the  shore,  being 
seven  miles  from  the  fort,  to  his  unspeakable  joy  he  saw  his 
friend  Burton  advancing  towards  him.  Major  Burton  had  been 
obliged  to  encounter  in  his  course  equal  difficulties  with  his 
companion,  and  such  were  the  incredible  perils,  dangers,  and 
obstructions,  which  they  surmounted,  that  their  escape  may  be 
considered  almost  miraculous.  It  was  now  necessary  they 
should  cross  the  Penobscot  River,  and  very  fortunately  they 
discovered  a  canoe  with  oars  on  the  shore  suited  to  their  pur- 
pose. While  on  the  ri^erthey  discovered  a  barge  with  a  party 
of  British  from  the  fort  in  pursuit  of  them,  but  by  taking  an 
oblique  course,  and  plying  their  oars  to  the  utmost,  they  happily 
eluded  the  eyes  of  their  pursuers  and  arrived  safe  on  the  west- 
ern shore.  After  having  wandered  in  the  wilderness  for  several 
days  and  nights,  exposed  to  extreme  fatigue  and  cold,  and  with 
no  other  food  than  a  little  dry  bread  and  meal  which  they 
brought  in  their  poe'ets  from  the  fort,  they  reached  the  settle- 
ments on  the  River  St.  George,  and  no  further  difficulties  at* 
tended  their  return  to  their  respective  families."* 

*Thacher's  Military  Journal. 


(312) 


WILLIAM   WASHINGTON, 

Colonel  in  the  American  Army. 

"  He  was  the  eldest  son  of  Baily  Washington,  Esq.  of  Staf- 
ford county,  in  the  state  of  Virginia;  and  belonged  to  a  younger 
branch  of  the  original  Washington  family. 

In  the  commencement  of  the  war,  and  at  an  early  period  of 
life,  he  had  entered  the  army,  as  captain  of  a  company  of  infan- 
try under  the  command  of  General  Mercer.  In  this  corps,  he 
had  acquired  from  actual  service  a  practical  knowledge  of  the 
profession  of  arms. 

He  fought  in  the  battle  of  Long  Island ;  and  in  his  retreat 
through  New-Jersey,  accompanied  his  great  kinsman,  cheerful 
under  the  gloom,  coolly  confronting  the  danger,  and  bearing, 
with  exemplary  fortitude  and  firmness,  the  heavy  misfortunes 
and  privations  of  the  time. 

In  the  successful  attack  on  the  British  post  at  Trenton,  Capt. 
Washington  acted  a  brilliant,  and  most  important  part.  Per- 
ceiving the  enemy  about  to  form  a  battery,  and  point  it  into  a 
narrow  street,  against  the  advancing  American  column,  he 
charged  them,  at  the  head  of  his  company,  drove  them  from 
their  guns,  and  thus  prevented  certainly  the  effusion  of  much 
blood,  perhaps  the  repulse  of  the  assailing  party.  In  this  act 
of  heroism,  he  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  wrist.  It  is  but 
justice  to  add,  that  on  this  occasion,  Captain  Washington  was 
ably  and  most  gallantly  supported  by  Lieutenant  Monroe,  late 
President  of  the  United  States,  who  als$  sustained  a  wound  in 
the  hand. 

Shortly  after  this  adventure,  Washington  was  promoted  to  a 
majority  in  a  regiment  of  horse.  In  this  command  he  was  very 
actively  engaged  in  the  northern  and  middle  states,  with  various 
success,  until  the  year  1780.  Advanced  to  the  rank  of  lieu- 
tenant-colonel, and  placed  at  the  head  of  a  regiment  of  cavalry, 
composed  of  the  remains  of  three  that  had  been  reduced,  by 
sickness  and  battle,  he  was  then  attached  to  the  army  under 
Gen.  Lincoln,  engaged  in  the  defence,  of  South-Carolina. 


WILLIAM  WASHINGTON.  313 

Here  his  service  was  various,  and  hi?  course  eventful;  marked 
by  a  few  brilliant  strokes  of  fortunes,  but  checkered  with  two 
severe  disasters.  The  first  of  these  reverses,  was  at  Monk's 
Corner,  where  he  himself  commanded;  the  other,  at  Leneau's 
Ferry,  where  he  was  second  in  command  to  Col  White. 

Inured  to  an  uncommon  extent  and  variety  of  hard  service, 
and  sufficiently  disciplined  in  the  school  of  adversity,  Colonel 
Washington,  although  a  young  man,  was  now  a  veteran  in  mili- 
tary experience.  Added  to  this,  he  was  somewhat  accustomed 
to  a  warm  climate,  and  had  acquired  from  actual  observation, 
considerable  knowledge  of  that  tract  of  country,  which  was  to 
constitute  in  future,  the  theatre  of  war. 

Such  was  this  officer,  when  at  the  head  of  a  regiment  of  cav- 
alry, he  was  attached  to  the  army  of  General  Greene. 

One  of  his  partisan  exploits,  however,  the  result  of  a  well 
conceived  stratagem,  must  be  succinctly  narrated. 

Having  learnt  during  a  scouting  excursion,  that  a  large  body 
of  loyalists  commanded  by  colonel  Rudgley,  was  posted  at 
Rudgley's  mill,  twelve  miles  from  Camden,  he  determined  on 
attacking  them. 

Approaching  the  enemy,  he  found  them  so  secured  in  a  large 
log  barn,  surrounded  by  abattis,  as  to  be  perfectly  safe  from  the 
operations  of  cavalry. 

Forbidden  thus  to  attempt  his  object  by  direct  attack,  his 
usual  and  favorite  mode  of  warfare,  he  determined  for  once  to 
have  recourse  to  policy. 

Shaping,  therefore,  a  pine  log  in  imitation  of  a  field  piece, 
mounting  it  on  wheels,  and  staining  it  with  mud  to  make  it 
look  like  iron,  he  brought  it  up  in  military  slyle,  and  affected  to 
make  arrangements  to  batter  down  the  barn. 

To  give  the  stratagem  solemnity  and  effect,  he  despatched  a 
flag  warning  the  garrison  of  the  impending  destruction,  and  to 
prevent  bloodshed,  summoned  them  to  submission. 

Not  prepared  to  resist  artillery,  colonel  Rudgley  obeyed  the 
summons:  and  with  a  garrison  of  one  hundred  and  three,  rank 
and  file,  surrendered  at  discretion. 

Tijithe  spring  of  1782,  colonel  Washington  married  Miss  Eh 

40 


314  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

liot,  of  Charleston,  and  established  himself  at  Sandy  Hill,  her 
ancestral  seat. 

After  the  conclusion  of  peace,  he  took  no  other  concern  ia 
public  affairs,  than  to  appear  occasionally  in  the  legislature  of 
South  Carolina. 

When  General  Washington  accepted  the  command  in  chief 
of  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  under  the  presidency  of  Mr. 
Adams,  he  selected  as  one  of  his  staff,  his  kinsman  colonel 
William  Washington,  with  the  rank  of  brigadier-general.  Had 
other  proof  oeen  wanting,  this  alone  was  sufficient  to  decide 
his  military  worth. 

In  private  life  he  was  a  man  of  unsullied  honor,  united  to  an 
amiable  temper,  lively  manners,  a  hospitable  disposition,  and  a 
truly  benevolent  heart."* 


GEORGE    WASHINGTON,    ESQ. 

Conuuander-in-chicf  of  the  American  Army. 

George  Washington,  commander-in-chief  of  the  American 
army  during  the  war  with  Great  Britain,  and  first  president  of 
the  United  States,  was  the  third  son  of  Mr.  Augustine  Washing- 
ton, and  was  born  at  Bridges  Creek  in  the  county  of  Westmore- 
land Virginia,  February  22d,  1732.  His  great-grandfather 
had  emigrated  to  that  place  from  the  north  of  England  about 
the  year  1657.  At  the  age  of  ten  years  he  lost  his  father,  and 
the  patrimonial  estate  descended  to  his  elder  brother,  Mr. 
Lawrence  Washington,  who  in  the  year  1740  had  been  engaged 
in  the  expedition  against  Carthagena.  In  honor  of  the  British 
admiral  who  commanded  the  fleet,  employed  in  that  enterprise, 
the  estate  was  called  Mount  Vernon.  At  the  age  of  fifteen, 
agreeably  to  the  wishes  of  his  brother,  as  well  as  to  his  own 
urgent  request  to  enter  into  the  British  navy,  the  place  of 
a  midshipman  in  a  vessel  of  war,  then  stationed  on  the  coasf 
of  Virginia  was  obtained  for  him.  Every  thing  was  in  readi- 
ness for  his  departure,  when  the  fears  of  a  timid  and  affectionate 
*  Life  of  Greene* 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  315 

mother  prevailed  upon  him  to  abandon  his  proposed  career  on 
the  ocean,  and  were  the  means  of  retaining  him  upon  the  land 
to  be  the  future  vindicator  of  his  country's  rights.  All  the  ad- 
vantages of  education,  which  he  enjoyed,  were  derived  from  a 
private  tutor,  who  instructed  him  in  the  English  literature  and 
the  general  principles  of  science,  as  well  as  in  morality  ai;d  re- 
ligion. After  his  disappointment  with  regard  to  entering  the 
navy,  he  devoted  much  of  his  time  to  the  study  of  mathematics; 
and  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  as  a  surveyor,  he  had  an 
©pportunity  of  acquiring  that  information  respecting  the  value 
of  vacant  lands,  which  afterward  greatly  contributed  to  the  in- 
crease of  his  private  fortune.  At  the  age  of  nineteen,  when  the 
militia  of  Virginia  were  to  be  trained  for  actual  service,  he  was 
appointed  an  adjutant-general  with  the  rank  of  major.  It  was 
/or  a  very  short  time,  that  he  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office. 
In  the  year  1753,  the  plan  formed  by  France  for  connecting 
Canada  with  Louisiana  by  a  line  of  posts,  and  thus  of  enclosing 
the  British  colonies,  and  of  establishing  her  influence  over  the 
numerous  tribes  of  Indians  on  the  frontiers,  began  to  be  de- 
veloped. In  the  prosecution  of  this  design,  possession  had  been 
taken  of  a  tract  of  land,  then  believed  to  be  within  the  province  of 
Virginia.  Mr.  Dinwiddie,  the  lieutenant  governor,  being  -de- 
termined to  remonstrate  against  the  supposed  encroachment, 
and  violation  of  the  treaties  between  the  two  countries,  des- 
patched Major  Washington  through  the  wilderness  to  the  Ohio, 
to  deliver  a  letter  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  French,  and 
also  to  explore  the  country.  This  trust  of  danger  and  fatigue 
he  executed  with  great  ability.  He  left  Williamsburgh,  Oct. 
31,  1753,  the  very  day  on  which  he  received  his  commission, 
and  at  the  frontier  settlement  of  the  English  engaged  guides  to 
conduct  him  over  the  Alleghany  mountains.  After  passing  them 
he  pursued  his  route  to  the  Monongahela,  examining  the  country 
with  a  military  eye,  and  taking  the  most  judicious  means  for  se- 
curing the  friendship  of  the  Indians.  He  selected  the  forks  of 
the  Monongahela  and  Alleghany  rivers  as  a  position,  which 
ought  to  be  immediately  possessed  and  fortified.  At  this  place 
the  French  very  soon  erected  Fort  dt    Quesne,  which  fell  into 


316  GEORGE  WASHINGTON- 

the  hands  of  the  English  in  1758,  and  was  called  by  them  FortT 
Pitt.  Pursuing  his  way  up  the  Alleghany  to  French  Creek,  he 
found  at  a  fort  upon  this  stream  the  commanding  officer,  to  whom 
he  delivered  the  letter  from  Mr.  Dinwiddiei  On  his  return  he 
encountered  great  difficulties  and  dangers.  As  the  snow  was 
deep  and  the  horses  weak  from  fatigue,  he  left  his  attendants 
at  the  mouth  of  French  Creek,  and  set  out  on  foot,  with  his 
papers  and  provisions  in  his  pack,  accompanied  only  by  his  pilot, 
Mr.  Gist.  At  a  place  upon  the  Alleghany,  called  Murderi:  g- 
town,  they  fell  in  with  a  hostile  Indian,  who  was  one  of  a  party 
then  lying  in  wait,  and  who  fired  upon  them,  not  ten  steps  dis- 
tant. They  took  him  into  custody  and  kept  him  until  nine 
o'clock,  and  then  let  him  go.  To  avoi.l  the  pursuit,  which  they 
presumed  would  be  commenced  in  the  morning,  they  travelled 
all  night.  On  reaching  the  MonongahelaTthey  had  a  hard  day's 
work  to  make  a  raft  with  a  hatchet.  In  attempting  to  cross  the 
river  to  reach  a  trader's  house,  they  were  enclosed  by  masses  of 
ice,  In  order  to  stop  the  raft  Major  Washington  put  down  his 
setting  pole;  but  the  ice  came  with  such  force  against  it,  as  to 
jerk  him  into  the  water.  Pie  saved  himself  by  seizing  one  of 
the  raft  logs.  With  difficulty  they  landed  on  an  island,  where 
they  passed  the  night.  The  cold  was  so  severe,  that  the  pilot's 
hands  and  feet  were  frozen.  The  next  day  they  crossed  the 
river  upon  the  ice.  Washington  arrived  at  Williamsburg,  Jan- 
uary 16,1751.  His  journal,  which  evinced  the  solidity  of  his 
judgment  and  his  fortitude,  was  published. 

As  the  French  seemed  disposed  to  remain  upon  the  Ohio,  it 
was  determined  to  raise  a  regiment  of  three  hundred  men  to 
maintain  the  claims  of  the  British  crown.  The  command  was 
given  to  Mr.  Fry,  and  Major  Washington,  who  was  appointed 
lieutenant-colonel,  marched  with  two  companies  early  in  April. 
1754,  in  advance  of  the  other  troops.  A  few  miles  west  of  the 
Great  Meadows,  he  surprised  a  French  encampment  in  a  dark, 
rainy  night,  and  only  ©ne  man  escaped.  Before  the  arrival  of 
the  two  remaining  companies,  Mr.  Fry  died,  and  the  command 
devolved  on  Colonel  Washington.  Being  joined  by  two  other 
companies  of  regular  troops  from  South  Carolina  and  New 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  317 

York,  after  erecting  a  small  stockade  at  the  Great  Meadows,  he 
proceeded  towards  Fort  du  Quesne,  which  had  been  built  but  a 
short  time,  with  the  intention  of  dislodging  the  French.  He 
had  marched  only  thirteen  miles  to  the  westernmost  foot  of  the 
Laurel  Hill,  before  he  received  information  of  the  approach  of 
the  enemy  with  superior  numbers,  and  was  induced  to  return  to 
his  stockade.  He  began  a  ditch  around  it,  and  called  it  Fort 
Necessity;  but  the  next  day,  July  the  third,  he  was  attacked  by 
fifteen  hundred  men.  His  own  troops  were  only  about  four  hun- 
dred in  number.  The  action  commenced  at  ten  in  the  morning 
and  lasted  until  dark.  A  part  of  the  Americans  fought  within 
the  fort,  and  a  part  in  the  ditch  filled  with  mud  and  water.  Col. 
Washington  was  himself  on  the  outside  of  the  fort  during  the 
whole  day.  The  enemy  fought  under  cover  of  the  trees  and 
high  grass.  In  the  course  of  the  night  articles  of  capitulation 
were  agreed  upon.  The  garrison  Were  allowed  to  retain  their 
arms  and  baggage,  and  to  march  unmolested  to  the  inhabited 
parts  of  Virginia.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  killed  and 
wounded  was  supposed  to  be  about  a  hundred,  and  that  of  the 
enemy  about  two  hundred.  In  a  few  months  afterward,  orders 
were  received  for  settling  the  rank  of  officers,  and  those,  who 
were  commissioned  by  the  king,  being  directed  to  take  rank  of 
the  provincial  officers,  Colonel  Washington  indignantly  resigned 
his  commission.  He  now  retired  to  Mount  Vernon,  that  estate 
by  the  death  of  his  brother,  having  devolved  upon  him.  But  in 
the  spring  of  1755,  he  accepted  an  invitation  from  Gen.  Brad- 
dock  to  enter  his  family  as  a  volunteer  aid-de-camp,  in  his  expe- 
dition to  the  Ohio.  He  proceeded  with  him  to  Will's  Creek, 
afterwards  called  Fort  Cumberland,  in  April.  After  the  troops 
had  marched  a  few  miles  from  this  place,  he  was  seized  with  a 
/faging  fever;  but  refusing  to  remain  behind,  he  was  conveyed 
in  a  covered  wagon.  By  his  advice,  twelve  hundred  men  were 
detached,  in  order,  by  a  rapid  movement,  to  reach  Fort  du 
Quesne  before  an  expected  reinforcement  should  be  received 
at  that  place.  These  disincumbered  troops  were  commanded 
by  Braddock  himself,  and  Colonel  Washington,  though  still  ex- 
tremely ill,  insisted  upon  proceeding  with  them.     After  they 


316  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

arrived  upon  the  Morion gahela,  he  advised  the  general  to  em- 
ploy the  ranging  companies  of  Virginia,  to  scour  the  woods  and 
to  prevent  ambuscades;  but  his  advice  was  not  followed.  On 
the  ninth  of  July,  when  the  army  was  within  seven  miles  of 
Fort  du  Quesne,  the  enemy  commenced  a  sudden  and  furious 
attack,  being  concealed  by  the  wood  and  high  grass.  In  a  short 
time  Colonel  Washington  was  the  only  aid  that  was  unwounded, 
and  on  him  devolved  the  whole  duty  of  carrying  the  orders 
of  the  commander-in-chief.  He  was  cool  and  fearless.  Though 
he  had  two  horses  killed  under  him,  and  four  balls  through  his 
coat,  he  escaped  unhurt,  while  every  other  officer  on  horseback 
was  either  killed  or  wounded.  Doctor  Craik,  the  physician, 
who  attended  him  in  his  last  sickness,  wa6  present  in  this  battle, 
and  says,  "I  expected  every  moment  to  see  him  fall.  Nothing 
but  the  superintending  car^of  Providence  could  have  saved  him 
from  the  fate  of  all  around  him."  After  an  action  of  three  hours, 
the  troops  gave  way  in  all  directions,  and  Colonel  Washington 
and  two  others  brought  off  Braddock,  who  had  been  mortally 
wounded.  He  attempted  to  rally  the  retreating  troops;  but  as 
he  says  himself,  it  was  like  endeavouring  "  to  stop  the  wild  bears 
of  the  mountains."  Tne  conduct  of  the  regular  troops  was  most 
cowardly.  The  enemy  were  few  in  numbers  and  had  no  expec- 
tation of  victory. 

In  a  sermon,  occasioned  by  this  expedition,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Da- 
vies,  of  Hanover  county,  thus  prophetically  expressed  himself: 
"as  a  remarkable  instance  of  patriotism,  I  may  point  out  to  the 
public  that  heroic  youth,  Colonel  Washington,  whom  I  cannot 
but  hope  Providence  has  hitherto  preserved  in  so  signal  a  man- 
ner for  some  important  service  to  his  country."  For  this  pur- 
pose he  was  indeed  preserved,  and  at  the  end  of  twenty  years 
he  began  to  render  to  his  country  more  important  services,  than 
the  minister  of  Jesus  could  have  anticipated.  From  1755  to 
1758  he  commanded  a  regiment,  which  was  raised  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  frontiers,  and  during  this  period  he  was  incessant- 
ly occupied  in  efforts  to  shield  the  exposed  settlements  from  the 
incursions  of  the  savages.  His  exertions  were  in  a  great  de- 
gree ineffectual,  in  consequence  of  the  errors  and  the  pride  of 


George  Washington.  319 

government,  and  of  the  impossibility  of  guarding,  with  a  few 
troops,  an  extended  territory  from  an  enemy,  which  was  averse 
to  open  warfare.  He,  in  the  most  earnest  manner,  recommended 
offensive  measures  as  the  only  method,  of  giving  complete  pro- 
tection to  the  scattered  settlement's. 

In  the  year  1758,  to  his  great  joy,  it  was  determined  to  un- 
dertake another  expedition  against  Fort  du  Quesne,  and  he 
engaged  in  it  with  zeal.  Early  in  July  the  troops  were  assem- 
bled at  Fort  Cumberland;  and  here,  against  all  the  remon- 
strances and  arguments  of  Colonel  Washington,  Gen.  Forbes 
resolved  to  open  a  new  road  to  the  Ohio,  instead  of  taking  the 
old  route.  Such  was  the  predicted  delay,  occasioned  by  this 
measure,  that  in  November  it  was  resolved  not  to  proceed  fur- 
ther during  that  campaign.  But  intelligence  of  the  weakness 
of  the  garrison  induced  an  alteration  of  the  plan  of  passing  the 
winter  in  the  wilderness.  By  slow  marches  the  army  was  ena- 
bled, on  the  25th  of  November,  to  reach  Fort  du  Quesne,  of 
which  peaceable  possession  was  taken,  as  the  enemy  on  the 
preceding  night,  after  setting  it  on  fire,  had  abandoned  it,  and 
proceeded  down  the  Ohio.  The  works  in  this  place  were 
repaired,  and  its  name  was  changed  to  that  of  Fort  Pitt.  The 
success  of  the  expedition  was  to  be  attributed  to  the  British 
fleet,  which  intercepted  reinforcements,  destined  for  Canada, 
and  to  events  in  the  norlhern  colonies.  The  great  object,  which 
he  had  been  anxious  to  effect,  being  now  accomplished,  and  his 
health  being  enfeebled,  Col.  Washington  resigned  his  commis- 
sion as  commander-in-chief  of  all  the  troops  raised  in  Virginia. 

Soon  after  his  resignation  he  was  married  to  the  widow  of 
Mr.  Custis,  a  young  lady,  to  whom  he  had  been  for  some  time 
strongly  attached,  and  who  to  a  large  fortune  and  a  fine  person 
added  those  amiable  accomplishments,  which  fill  with  silent  fe- 
licity the  scenes  of  domestic  life.  His  attention,  for  several 
years,  was  principally  directed  to  the  management  of  his  estate, 
which  had  now  become  considerable.  He  had  nine  thousand 
acres  under  his  own  management.  So  great  a  part  was  culti- 
vated, that  in  one  year  he  raised  seven  thousand  bushels  of 
wheat,  and  ten  thousand  of  Indian  corn.     His  slaves  and  other 


320  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

persons,  employed  by  him,  amounted  to  near  a  thousand;  and 
the  woollen  and  linen  cloth  necessary  for  their  use  was  chiefly 
manufactured  on  the  estate.  He  was  at  this  period  a  respecta- 
ble member  of  the  legislature  of  Virginia,  in  which  he  took  a 
decided  part  in  opposition  to  the  principle  of  taxation,  asserted 
by  the  British  Parliament.  He  also  acted  as  a  judge  of  a  county 
court.  In  1 774  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  first  Congress, 
"and  was  placed  on  all  those  committees,  whose  duty  it  was  to 
make  arrangements  for  defence.  In  the  following  year,  after 
the  battle  of  Lexington,  when  it  was  determined  by  congress  to 
resort  to  arms,  Colonel  Washington  was  unanimously  elected 
commander-in-chief  of  the  army  of  the  united  colonies.  All 
were  satisfied  as  to  his  qualifications,  and  the  delegates  from 
New-England  were  particularly  pleased  with  his  election,  as  it 
would  tend  to  unite  the  southern  colonies  cordially  in  the  war. 
He  accepted  the  appointment  with  diffidence,  and  expressed  his 
intention  of  receiving  no  compensation  for  his  services,  and  only 
a  mere  discharge  of  his  expenses.  He  immediately  repaired  to 
Cambridge,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Boston,  where  he  arrived  on 
the  second  of  July.  He  formed  the  army  into  three  divisions 
in  order  the  most  effectually  to  enclose  the  enemy,  intrusting  the 
division  at  Roxbury  to  Gen.  Ward,  the  division  on  Prospect  and 
Winter  Hills  to  Gen.  Lee,  and  commanding  himself  the  centre 
at  Cambridge.  Here  he  had  to  struggle  with  great  difficulties, 
with  the  want  of  ammunition,  clothing,  and  magazines,  defect 
of  arms  and  discipline,  and  the  evils  of  short  enlistments;  but 
instead  of  yielding  to  despondence  he  bent  the  whole  force  of 
his  mind  to  overcome  them.  He  soon  made  the  alarming  dis- 
covery, that  there  was  only  sufficient  powder  on  hand  to  furnish 
the  army  with  nine  cartridges  for  each  man.  With  the  greatest 
caution  to  keep  this  fact  a  secret,  the  utmost  exertions  were  em- 
ployed to  procpre  a  supply.  A  vessel,  which  was  despatched  to 
Africa,  obtained  in  exchange  for  New-England  rum,  all  the  gun- 
powder in  the  British  factories;  and  in  the  beginning  of  winter, 
Capt.  Manly  captured  an  ordnance  brig,  which  furnished  the 
American  army  with  the  precise  articles,  of  which  it  was  in  the 
greatest  want.     In  September,  General  Washington  despatched 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  321 

\rnold  on  an  expedition  against  Quebec.  In  February,  1776, 
he  proposed  to  a  council  of  his  officers  to  cross  the  ice  and  at- 
tack the  enemy  in  Boston,  but  they  unanimously  disapproved  of 
the  daring  measure.  It  was  however  soon  resolved  to  take 
possession  of  the  heights  of  Dorc>. ester.  This  was  done  with- 
out discovery  on  the  night  of  the  fourth  of  March,  ^and  on  the 
seventeenth  the  enemy  found  it  necessary  to  evacuate  the  town. 
The  recovery  of  Boston  induced  congress  to  pass  a  vote  of 
thanks  to  Gen.  Washington  and  his  brave  army. 

In  the  belief  that  the  efforts  of  the  British  would  he  directed 
towards  the  Hudson,  he  hastened  the  army  to  New- York,  where 
he  himself  arrived  on  the  fourteenth  of  April.  He  made  every 
exertion  to  fortify  the  city,  and  attention  was  paid  to  the  forts 
in  the  Highlands.  While  he  met  the  most  embarrassing  diffi- 
culties, a  plan  was  formed  to  assist  the  enemy  in  seizing  his 
person,  and  some  of  his  own  guards  engaged  in  the  conspiracy; 
but  it  was  discovered,  and  some,  who  were  concerned  in  it, 
were  executed. 

In  the  beginning  of  July,  Gen.  Howe  landed  his  troops  at 
Staten  Island.  His  brother,  Lord  Howe,  who  commanded  the 
fleet,  soon  arrived;  and  as  both  were  commissioners  for  restoring 
peace  to  the  colonies,  the  latter  addressed  a  letter  upon  the  sub- 
ject to  "George  Washington,  Esq."  but  the  general  refused  to 
receive  it,  as  it  did  not  acknowledge  the  public  character,  with 
which  he  was  invested  by  congress,  in  which  character  only  he 
could  have  any  intercourse  with  his  lordship.  Another  letter 
was  sent  to  "George  Washington,  &c.  &c.  &c."  This  for  the 
same  reason  was  rejected. 

After  the  disastrous  battle  of  Brooklyn,  on  the  27th  of  Au- 
gust, in  which  Stirling  and  Sullivan  were  taken  prisoners,  and 
of  which  he  was  only  a  spectator,  he  withdrew  the  troops  from 
Long-Island,  and  in  a  few  days  he  resolved  to  wrfjjjdraw  from 
New-York.  At  Kipp's  Bay,  about  three  miles  from  the  city,  some 
works  had  been  thrown  up  to  oppose  the  enemy;  but,  on  their 
approach,  the  American  troops  fled  with  precipitation.  Wash- 
ington rode  towards  the  lines,  and  made  every  exertion  to  pre- 
vent the  disgraceful  flight.     He  drew  his  sword  and  threatened 

41 


322  GEORGE  WASHINGTON, 

to  run  the  cowards  through;  he  cocked  and  snapped  his  pistoh', 
but  it  was  all  in  vain.  Such  was  the  state  of  his  mind,  at  tliis- 
moment,  that  he  turned  his  horse  towards  the  advancing  enemy, 
apparently  with  the  intention  of  rushing  upon  death.  His  aids 
now  seized  the  bridle  of  his  horse  and  rescued  him  from  de- 
struction. New-York  was  on  the  same  day,  September  the 
fifteenth,  evacuated.  In  October  he  retreated  to  the  White 
Plains,  where,  on  the  twenty-eighth,  a  considerable  action  took 
place,  in  which  the  Americans  were  overpowered.  After  the 
loss  of  Forts  Washington  and  Lee,  he  passed  into  New-Jersey, 
in  November,  and  was  pursued  by  a  triumphant  and  numerous 
enemy.  His  army  did  not  amount  to  three  thousand,  and  it 
was  daily  diminishing;  his  men,  as  the  winter  commenced,  were 
barefooted  and  almost  naked,  destuute  of  tents  and  utensils, 
with  which  to  dress  their  scanty  provisions;  and  every  circum- 
stance tended  to  fill  the  mind  with  despondence.  But  General 
Washington  was  undismayed  and  firm.  He  showed  himself  to 
his  enfeebled  army  with  a  serene  and  unembarrassed  counte- 
nance, and  they  were  inspired  with  the  resolution  of  their  com- 
mander. On  the  eighth  of  December  he  was  obliged  to  cross 
the  Delaware;  but  he  had  the  precaution  to  secure  the  boats 
for  seventy  miles  upon  the  river.  While  the  British  were  wait- 
ing for  the  ice  to  afford  them  a  passage,  as  his  own  army  had 
been  reinforced  by  several  thousand  men,  he  formed  the  reso- 
lution of  carrying  the  cantonments  of  the  enemy  by  surprise. 
On  the  night  of  the  twenty-fifth  of  December,  he  crossed  the 
river,  nine  miles  above  Trenton,  in  a  storm  of  snow,  mingled 
with  hail  and  rain,  with  about  two  thousand  and  four  hundred 
men.  Two  other  detachments  were  unable  to  effect  a  passage. 
In  the  morning,  precisely  at  eight  o'clock,  he  surprised  Trenton,, 
and  took  a  thousand  Hessian  prisoners,  a  thousand  stand  of  arms, 
and  six  field  pieces.  Twenty  of'  the  enemy  were  killed.  Of 
the  Americans  two  privates  were  killed, and  two  frozen  to  death; 
and  one  officer  and  three  or  four  privates  were  wounded.  On 
the  same  day  he  recrossed  the  Delaware  with  the  fruits  of  his 
enterprise;  but  in  two  or  three  days  passed  again  into  New- 
Jersey,  and  concentrated  his  forces,  amounting  to  five  thousand*. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  323 

•&t  Trenton.  On  the  approach  of  a  superior  enemy,  under  Corn- 
wallis, January  2, 1777,  he  drew  up  his  men  behind  Assumpinck 
Creek.  He  expected  an  attack  in  the  morning,  which  would 
probably  result  in  a  ruinous  defeat.  At  this  moment,  when  it 
was  hazardous,  if  not  impracticable  to  return  into  Pennsylvania, 
he  formed  the  resolution  of  getting  into  the  rear  of  the  enemy, 
and  thus  stop  them  in  their  progress  towards  Philadelphia.  In 
the  night  he  silently  decamped,  taking  a  circuitous  route  through 
Allen's  Town  to  Princeton. — A  sudden  change  of  the  weather  to 
severe  cold  rendered  the  roads  favorable  for  his  march.  About 
sunrise  his  van  met  a  British  detachment,  on  its  way  to  join 
Cornwallis,  and  was  defeated  by  it;  but  as  he  came  up  he  ex- 
posed himself  to  every  danger,  and  gained  a  victory.  With 
three  hundred  prisoners  he  then  entered  Princeton. 

During  this  march  many  of  his  soldiers  were  without  shoes, 
and  their  feet  left  the  marks  of  blood  upon  the  frozen  ground. 
This  hardship,  and  their  want  of  repose,  induced  him  to  lead 
his  army  to  a  place  of  security  on  the  road  to  Morristown. 
Cornwallis,  in  the  morning,  broke  up  his  camp,  and  alarmed 
for  his  stores  at  Brunswick,  urged  the  pursuit.  Thus  the  mili- 
tary genius  of  the  American  commander,  under  the  blessing  of 
divine  Providence,  rescued  Philadelphia  from  the  threatened 
danger,  obliged  the  enemy,  which  had  overspread  New-Jersey, 
to  return  to  the  neighborhood  of  New- York,  and  revived  the 
desponding  spirit  of  his  country.  Having  accomplished  these 
objects,  he  retired  to  Morristown,  where  he  caused  his  whole 
army  to.  be  inoculated  for  the  small-pox,  and  thus  was  freed 
from  the  apprehension  of  a  calamity,  which  might  impede  his 
Operations  during  the  next  campaign. 

On  the  last  of  May  he  removed  his  army  to  Middlebrook, 
about  ten  miles  from  Brunswick,  where  he  fortified  himself 
very  strongly.  An  ineffectual  attempt  was  made  by  Sir  Wil- 
liam Howe  to  draw  him  from  his  position,  by  marching  towards 
Philadelphia:  but  after  Howe's  return  to  New- York,  he  moved 
towards  the  Hudson,  in  order  to  defend  the  passes  in  the  moun- 
tains, in  the  expectation  that  a  junction  with  Burgoyne,  who 
was  then  upon  the  lakes,  would  be  attempted-    After  the  British 


324  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

general  sailed  from  New- York,  and  entered  the  Chesapeake,  fa 
August,  General  Washington  marched  immediately  for  the  de- 
fence of  Philadelphia.  On  the  eleventh  of  September,  he  was 
defeated  at  Brandvwine,  with  the  loss  of  nine  hundred  in  killed 
and  wounded.  A  few  days  afterwards,  as  he  was  pursued,  he 
turned  upon  the  enemy,  determined  upon  another  engagement; 
but  a  heavy  rain  so  damaged  the  arms  and  ammunition,  that 
he  was  under  the  necessity  of  again  retreating.  Philadelphia 
was  entered  by  Cornwallis  on  the  twenty-sixth  of  September. 
On  the  fourth  of  October,  the  American  commander  made  a  well- 
planned  attack  upon  the  British  camp  at  Germantown;  but  in 
consequence  of  the  darkness  of  the  morning  and  the  imperfect 
discipline  of  his  troops,  it  terminated  in  the  loss  of  twelve  hun- 
dred men,  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners.  In  December,  he 
went  into  winter  quarters  at  Valley  Forge,  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Schuylkill,  between  twenty  and  thirty  miles  from  Pbiladel- 
phia.  Here  his  army  was  in  the  greatest  distress  for  want  of 
provisions,  and  he  was  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  sending  out 
parties  to  seize  what  they  could  find.  About  the  same  time  a 
combination,  in  which  some  members  of  congress  were  engaged, 
was  formed  to  remove  the  commander-in-chief,  and  to  appoint 
in  his  place  Gates,  whose  successes  ot  late  had  given  him  a  high 
reputation.  But  the  name  of  Washington  was  too  dear  to  the 
great  body  of  Americans,  to  admit  of  such  a  change.  Not- 
withstanding the  discordant  materials,  of  which  his  army  was 
composed,  there  was  something  in  his  character,  which  enabled 
him  to  attach  both  his  officers  and  soldiers  so  strongly  to  him, 
that  no  distress  could  weaken  their  affection,  nor  impair  the 
veneration,  in  which  he  was  generally  held.  Without  this  at- 
tachment to  him,  the  army  must- have  been  dissolved.  General 
Conway,  who  was  concerned  in  this  faction,  being  wounded  in  a 
duel  with  General  Cadwallader,  and  thinking  his  wound  mortal, 
wrote  to  General  Washington,  'You  are,  in  my  eyes,  the  great 
and  good  man.'  On  the  first  of  February,  1778,  there  were 
about  four  thousand  men  in  camp,  unfit  for  duty,  for  want  of 
clothes.  Of  these  scarcely  a  man  had  a  pair  of  shoes.  The 
hospitals  also  were  filled  with  the  sick.     At  this  time,  the  enemy,. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  325 

it  they  had  marched  out  of  their  winter  quarters,  would  easily 
have  dispersed  the  American  army.  The  apprehension  of  the 
approach  of  a  French  fleet  inducing  the  British  to  concentrate 
their  forces,  when  they  evacuated  Philadelphia  on  the  seven- 
teenth of  June,  and  marched  towards  New- York,  Gen.  Wash- 
ington followed  them.  Contrary  to  the  advice  of  a  council, 
he  engaged  in  the  hattle  of  Monmouth  on  the  twenty-eighth; 
the  result  of  which  made  an  impression  favourable  to  the  cause 
of  America.  He  slept  in  his  cloak  on  the  field  of  battle,  in- 
tending to  renew  the  attack  the  next  morning;  but  at  midnight 
the  British  marched  off  in  such  silence,  as  not  to  be  discovered. 
Their  loss  in  killed  was  about  three  hundred;  and  that  of  the 
Americans  sixty-nine.  As  the  campaign  now  closed  in  the  mid- 
dle states,  the  American  army  went  into  winter  quarters,  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  Highlands  upon  the  Hudson.  Thus,  after 
the  vicissitudes  of  two  years,  both  armies  were  brought  back  to 
the  point,  from  which  they  set  out.  During  the  year  1779,  Gen. 
Washington  remained  in  the  neighborhood  of  New- York.  In 
January,  1 780,  in  a  winter  memorable  for  its  severity,  his  utmost 
exertions  were  necessary  to  save  the  army  from  dissolution. 
The  soldiers,  in  general,  submitted  with  heroic  patience  to  the 
want  of  provisions  and  clothes.  At  one  time,  they  ate  every 
kind  of  horse-food  but  hay.  Their  sufferings  at  length  were  so 
great,  that  in  March,  two  of  the  Connecticut  regiments  muti- 
nied: but  the  mutiny  was  suppressed,  and  the  ringleaders  se- 
rured.  In  September,  the  treachery  of  Arnold  was  detected. 
In  the  winter  of  1781,  such  were  again  the  privations  of  the 
army,  that  a  part  of  the  Pennsylvania  line  revolted,  and  marched 
home.  Such,  however,  was  still  their  patriotism,  that  they  de- 
livered up  some  British  emissaries  to  Gen.  Wayne,  who  hanged 
them  as  spies.  Committing  the  defence  of  the  posts  on  the  Hud- 
son to  General  Heath,  General  Washington  in  August  marched 
with  Count  Rochambeau  for  the  Chesapeake,  to  co-operate  with 
the  French  fleet  there.  The  siege  of  Yorktown  commenced  on 
the  twenty-eighth  of  September,  and  on  the  nineteenth  of  Octo- 
ber, he  reduced  Cornwallis  to  the  necessity  of  surrendering  with 
upwards  of  seven  thousand  men,  to  the  combined  armies  of 


326  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

America  and  France.  The  day  after  the  capitulation,  he  or- 
dered that  those  who  were  under  arrest  should  be  pardoned, 
and  that  divine  service,  in  acknowledgment  of  the  interposition 
of  Providence,  should  be  performed  in  all  the  brigades  and  di- 
visions. This  event  filled  America  with  joy,  and  was  the  means 
of  terminating  the  war. 

Few  events  of  importance  took  place  in  1782.  In  March, 
1783,  he  exhibited  his  characteristic  firmness  and  decision,  in 
opposing  an  attempt  to  produce  a  mutiny,  by  anonymous  letters. 
His  address  to  his  officers  on  the  occasion,  displays  in  a  remark- 
able degree  his  prudence,  and  the  correctness  of  his  judgment. 
When  he  began  to  read  it,  he  found  himself  in  some  degree  em- 
barrassed, by  the  imperfection  of  his  sight.  Taking  out  his 
spectacles,  he  said,  'These  eyes,  my  friends,  have  grown  dim, 
and  these  locks  white  in  the  service  of  my  country,  yet  I  have 
never  doubted  her  justice.'  He  only  could  have  repressed  the 
spirit,  which  was  breaking  forth.  On  the  nineteenth  of  April, 
a  cessation  of  hostilities  was  proclaimed  in  the  American  camp. 
In  June,  he  addressed  a  letter  to  the  governors  of  the  several 
states,  congratulating  them  on  the  result  of  the  contest  in  the 
establishment  of  independence,  and  recommending  an  indisso- 
luble union  of  the  states,  under  one  federal  head,  a  sacred 
regard  to  public  justice,  the  adoption  of  a  proper  peace  estab- 
lishment, and  the  prevalence  of  a  friendly  disposition  among 
the  people  of  the  several  states.  It  was  with  keen  distress,  as 
well  as  with  pride  and  admiration,  that  he  saw  his  brave  and 
veteran  soldiers,  who  had  suffered  so  much,  and  who  had  borne 
the  heat  and  burden  of  the  war,  returning  peaceably  to  their 
homes,  without  a  settlement  of  their  accounts,  or  a  farthing  of 
money  in  their  pockets.  On  the  twenty-fifth  of  November,  New- 
York  was  evacuated,  and-  he  entered  it,  accompanied  by  Gov. 
Clinton,  and  many  respectable  citizens.  On  the  fourth  of  De- 
cember, he  took  his  farewell  of  his  brave  comrades  in  arms.  At 
noon  the  principal  officers  of  the  army  assembled  at  Frances' 
tavern,  and  their  beloved  commander  soon  entered  the  room. 
His  emotions  were  too  strong  to  be  concealed.  Filling  a  glass 
'vith  wine,  he  turned  to  them  and  said,  '  With  a  heart  full  oi 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  32? 

love  and  gratitude,  I  now  take  leave  of  you ;  I  most  devoutly 
wish,  that  your  latter  dajs  may  be  as  prosperous  and  happy,  as 
your  former  ones  have  been  glorious  and  honourable'  Having 
drunk,  he  added,'  I  cannot  come  to  each  of  you  to  take  my  leaver 
but  shall  be  obliged  to  you,  if  each  of  you  will  come  and  take 
me  by  the  hand.'  General  Knox,  being  nearest,  turned  to  him. 
Incapable  of  utterance,  General  Washington  grasped  his  hand, 
and  embraced  him.  In  the  same  affectionate  manner,  he  took 
his  leave  of  each  succeeding  officer.  In  every  eye  was  the  tear 
of  dignified  sensibility,  and  not  a  word  was  articulated,  to  inter- 
rupt the  silence  and  the  tenderness  of  the  scene.  Ye  men,  who 
delight  in  blood,  slaves  of  ambition!  when  your  work  of  car- 
nage was  finished,  could  ye  thus  part  with  your  companions  in 
crime?  Leaving  the  room,  General  Washington  passed  through 
the  corps  of  light-infantry,  and  walked  to  White-hall,  where  a 
barge  waited  to  carry  him  to  Powles'  Hook.  The  whole  com- 
pany followed  in  mute  procession,  with  dejected  countenances. 
When  he  entered  the  barge,  he  turned  to  them,  and  waving  his 
hat,  bade  them  a  silent  adieu;  receiving  from  them  the  same 
last,  affectionate  compliment.  On  the  twenty-third  of  Decern 
ber,  he  resigned  his  commission  to  congress,  then  assembled  at 
Annapolis.  He  delivered  a  short  address  on  the  occasion,  in 
which  he  said,  4I  consider  it  an  indispensable  duty,  to  close  this 
last  solemn  act  of  my  official  life,  by  commending  the  interests 
of  our  dearest  country  to  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  and 
those  who  have  the  superintendence  of  them,  to  his  holy  keep- 
ing.' He  then  retired  to  Mount  Vernon,  to  enjoy  again  the 
pleasures  of  domestic  life.  Here  the  expressions  of  the  gratis 
tude  of  his  countrymen,  in  affectionate  addresses,  poured  in  upon 
him,  and  he  received  every  testimony  of  respect  and  veneration. 
In  his  retirement,  however,  he  could  not  overlook  the  public 
interests.  He  was  desirous  of  opening  by  water  carriage,  a 
communication  between  the  Atlantic  and  the  western  portions 
of  our  country,  in  order  to  prevent  the  diversion  of  trade  down 
the  Mississippi,  and  to  Canada;  from  which  he  predicted  con- 
sequences injurious  to  the  union.  Through  his  influence,  two 
companies  were  formed  for  promoting  inland  navigation.     The 


328  GEORGE  WASHINGTON". 

legislature  of  Virginia  presented  him  with  three  hundred  shares 
in  them,  which  he  appropriated  to  puhlic  uses.  In  the  year 
1786,  he  was  convinced,  with  other  statesmen,  of  the  necessity 
of  substituting  a  more  vigorous  general  government  in  the  place 
of  the  impotent  articles  of  confederation.  Still  he  was  aware 
of  the  danger  of  running  from  one  extreme  to  another.  He 
exclaims  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Jay,  'What  astonishing  changes  a 
few  years  are  capable  of  producing!  1  am  told,  that  even  res- 
pectable characters  speak  of  a  monarchical  form  of  government 
without  horror.  From  thinking  proceeds  speaking;  thence  to 
acting  is  often  but  a  single  step.  But  how  irrevocable,  and 
tremendous!  What  a  triumph  for  our  enemies  to  verify  their 
predictions!  What  a  triumph  for  the  advocates  of  despotism, 
to  find  that  we  are  incapable  of  governing  ourselves,  and  that 
systems,  founded  on  the  basis  of  equal  liberty,  are  merely  ideal 
and  fallacious!'  In  the  following  year,  he  was  persuaded  to 
lake  a  seat  in  the  convention,  which  formed  the  present  consli- 
tution  of  the  United  States;  and  he  presided  in  that  body.  In 
1789,  he  was  unanimously  elected  the  first  president  of  the 
United  States.  It  was  with  great  reluctance,  that  he  accepted 
this  office.  His  feelings,  as  he  said  himself,  were  like  those  of 
a  culprit,  going  to  the  place  of  execution.  But  the  voice  of  a 
whole  continent,  the  pressing  recommendation  of  his  particular 
friends,  and  the  apprehension,  that  he  should  otherwise  be  con- 
sidered as  unwilling  to  hazard  his  reputation  in  executing  a 
system,  which  he  had  assisted  in  forming,  determined  him  to 
accept  the  appointment.  In  April  he  left  Mount  Vernon  to  pro- 
ceed to  New- York,  and  to  enter  on  the  duties  of  his  high  office. 
He  every  where  received  testimonies  of  respect  and  love.  At 
Trenton,  the  gentler  sex  rewarded  him  for  his  successful  enter- 
prise, and  the  protection  which  he  afforded  them  twelve  years 
before.  On  the  bridge  over  the  creek,  which  passes  through 
the  town,  was  erected  a  triumphal  arch,  ornamented  with  lau- 
rels and  flowers,  and  supported  by  thirteen  pillars,  each  encir- 
cled with  wreaths  of  evergreen.  On  the  front  of  the  arch  was 
inscribed  in  large  gilt  letters, 

THE  DEFENDER  OP  THE  MOTHERS  WILL  BE  THE 
PROTECTOR  OF  THE  DAUGHTERS. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  329 

At  this  place  he  was  met  by  a  party  of  matrons,  leading  their 
daughters,  who  were  dressed  in  white,  and  who  with  baskets 
of  flowers  in  their  hands,  sung  with  exquisite  sweetness,  the 
following  ode,  written  for  the  occasion: 

Welcome,  mighty  chief,  once  moffe 
Welcome  to  this  grateful  shore ; 
Now  no  mercenary  foe 
Aims  again  the  fatal  blow, 
Aims  at  thee  the  fatal  blow. 

Virgins  fair  and  matrons  grave, 
Those  thy  conquering  arms  did  save, 
Build  for  thee  triumphal  bowers; 
Strew,  ye  fair,  his  way  with  flowers, 
Strew  your  heroe's  way  with  flowers. 

At  the  last  line  the  flowers  were  strewed  before  him.  After 
.receiving  such  proofs  of  affectionate  attachment,  he  arrived  at 
New  York,  and  was  inaugurated  first  President  of  the  United 
States  on  the  thirteenth  of  April.  In  making  the  necessary  ar- 
rangements of  his  household,  he  publicly  announced,  that  nei- 
ther visits  of  business  nor  of  ceremony  would  be  expected  on 
Sunday,  as  he  wished  to  reserve  that  day  sacredly  to  himself. 

At  the  close  of  his  first  term  of  four  years,  he  prepared  a 
valedictory  address  to  the  American  people,  anxious  to  return 
again  to  the  scenes  of  domestic  life;  but  the  earnest  entreaties 
of  his  friends,  and  the  peculiar  situation  of  his  country,  induced 
him  to  be  a  candidate  for  a  second  election.  During  his  ad- 
ministration of  eight  years,  the  labor  of  establishing  the  differ- 
ent departments  of  a  new  government  was  accomplished;  and 
he  exhibited  the  greatest  firmness,  wisdom  and  independence. 
He  was  an  American,  and  he  chose  not  to  involve  his  country 
in  the  contests  of  Europe.  He  accordingly  with  the  unani- 
mous advice  of  his  cabinet,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Jefferson, 
Hamilton,  Knox  and  Randolph,  issued  a  proclamation  of  neu- 
trality, April  22,  1793,  a  few  days  after  he  heard  of  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war  between  England  andFrance.  This 
measure  contributed  in  a  great  degree,  to  the  prosperity 
of  America.  Its  adoption  was  the  more  honourable  'o 
the  president,  as  the  general  sympathy  was  in  favor  of  the 
sjwster  republic,  against  whom  it  was  said  Great  Britain  had 
42 


880  GVOUGE  WASHINGTON. 

commenced  the  war  for  the  sole  purpose  of  imposing  upon  her 
a  monarchical  form  of  government.  He  preferred  the  peace 
and  welfare  of  his  country,  to  the  breath  of  popular  applause. 
Another  act,  in  which  he  proved  himself  to  be  less  regardful  of 
the  public  partialitiesand  prejudices,  than  of  what  he  conceived 
to  be  for  the  public  good,  was  the  ratification  of  the  British 
treaty.  The  English  government  had  neglected  to  surrender 
the  western  posts,  and  by  commercial  restrictions,  and  in  other 
ways,  had  evinced  a  hostile  spirit  towards  this  country.  To 
avert  the  calamity  of  another  war,  Mr.  Jay  was  nominated  as 
envoy  extraordinary  in  April,  1794.  In  June,  1795,  the  treaty 
which  Mr.  Jay  had  made,  was  submitted  to  the  senate,  and  was 
ratified  by  that  body  on  the  condition,  that  one  article  should 
be  altered.  While  the  president  was  deliberating  upon  it,  am 
incorrect  copy  of  the  instrument  was  made  public  by  a  senator, 
and  the  whole  country  was  thrown  into  a  state  of  extreme  irri- 
tation. At  this  period,  he,  in  August,  conditionally  ratified  it, 
and  in  February,  1796,  when  it  was  returned  from  his  Brittan- 
nic  Majesty  with  the  proposed  alteration,  he  declared  it  to  be 
the  law  of  the  land.  After  this  transaction,  the  house  of  repre- 
sentatives requested  him  to  lay  before  them  the  papers  relating 
to  the  treaty,  but  he,  with  great  independence,  refused  to  com- 
ply with  their  request,  as  they  could  have  no  claim  to  an  inspec- 
tion of  them,  except  upon  a  vote  of  impeachment,  and  as  a  com- 
pliance would  establish  a  dangerous  precedent.  He  had  be- 
fore this  shown  a  disposition  to  maintain  the  authority  vested  in 
his  office,  by  declining  to  affix  his  signature  to  a  bill  which  had 
fftised  both  houses. 

As  the  period  for  a  new  election  of  a  president  of  the  United 
States  approached,  and  after  plain  indications  that  the  public 
voice  would  be  in  his  favor,  and  when  he  probably  would  be 
chosen  for  the  third  time  unanimously,  he  determined  irrevo- 
cably to  withdraw  to  the  shades  of  private  life.  He  published, 
in  September,  1796,  his  farewell  address  to  the  people  of  the 
United  States,  which  ought  to  be  engraven  upon  the  hearts  of 
his  countrymen.  In  the  most  earnest  and  affectionate  manner 
he  called  upon  them  to  cherish  an  immovable  attachment  to  the 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  331 

national  union,  to  watch  for  its  preservation  with  jealous  anxi- 
ety, to  discountenance  even  the  suggestion,  that  it  could  in  any 
event  be  abandoned,  and  indignantly  to  frown  upon  the  first 
dawning  of  every  attempt  to  alienate  any  portion  of  our  country 
from  the  rest.  Overgrown  military  establishments  he  represented 
as  particHlarly  hostile  to  republican  liberty.  While  he  recom- 
mended the  most  implicit  obedience  to  the  acts  of  the  estab- 
lished government,  andreprobated  all  obstructions  to  the  execu- 
tion of  the  laws,  all  combinations  and  associations,  under  what- 
ever plausible  character,  with  the  real  design  to  direct,  control, 
counteract,  or  awe  the  regular  deliberation  and  action  of  the 
constituted  authorities;  he  wished  also  to  guard  against  the  spirit 
of  innovation  upon  the  principles  of  the  constitution.  Aware 
that  the  energy  of  the  system  might  be  enfeebled  by  altera- 
tions, he  thought  that  no  change  should  be  made  without  an 
evident  necessity,  and  that  in  so  extensive  a  country,  as  much 
vigor  as  is  consistent  with  liberty,  is  indispensable.  On  the  other 
hand,  he  pointed  out  the  danger  of  real  despotism  by  breaking 
down  the  partitions  between  the  several  departments  of  govern- 
ment, by  destroying  the  reciprocal  checks,  and  consolidating 
the  different  powers.  Against  the  spirit  of  party,  so  pecu- 
liarly baneful  in  an  elective  government,  he  uttered  his  most 
solemn  remonstrances,  as  well  as  against  inverate  antipathies  or 
passionate  attachments  in  respect  to  foreign  nations.  While 
lie  thought  that  the  jealousy  of  a  free  people  ought  to  be  con- 
stantly and  impartially  awake  against  the  insidious  wiles  of  for- 
eign influence,  he  wished  that  good  faith  and  justice  should  be 
observed  towards  all  nations,  and  peace  and  harmony  cultivated. 
In  his  opinion,  honesty,  no  less  in  public  than  in  private  affairs, 
is  always  the  best  policy.  Providence,  he  believed,  had  con- 
nected the  permanent  felicity  of  a  nation  with  its  virtue.  Other 
subjects  to  which  he  alluded,  were  the  importance  of  credit, 
of  economy,  of  a  reduction  of  the  public  debt,  and  of  literary 
institutions:  above  all  he  recommended  religion  and  morality 
as  indispensably  necessary  to  political  prosperity.  "In  vain," 
says  he,  "would  that  man  claim  the  tribute  of  patriotism,  who 
should  labor  to  subvert  these  great  pillars  of  human  happiness. 


332  GEORGE  WASHINGTON 

these  firmest  props  of  the  duties  of  men  and  citizens."  Be« 
queathing  these  counsels  to  his  countrymen,  he  continued  in 
office  till  the  fourth  of  March,  1797,  when  he  attended  the  in- 
auguration of  his  successor,  Mr.  Adams,  and  with  complacency 
saw  him  invested  with  the  powers,  which  had  for  so  long  a  time 
been  exercised  by  himself.  He  then  retired  to  Mount  Vernon, 
giving  to  the  world  an  example,  most  humiliating  to  its  empe- 
rors and  kings;  the  example  of  a  man  voluntarily  disrobing 
himself  of  the  highest  authority,  and  returning  to  private  life 
with  a  character,  having  upon  it  no  stain  of  ambition,  of  cove- 
tousness,  of  profusion,  of  luxury,  of  oppression,  or  of  injustice. 
It  was  now  that  the  soldier,  the  statesman  and  the  patriot, 
hoped  to  repose  himself,  after  the  toils  of  so  many  years.  But 
he  had  not  been  long  in  retirement,  before  the  outrages  of  Re- 
publican France  induced  our  government  to  raise  an  army,  of 
which,  in  July,  1798,  he  was  appointed  commander-in-chief. 
Though  he  accepted  the  appointment,  his  services  were  not  de- 
manded, and  he  himself  did  not  believe  that  an  invasion  would 
take  place.  Pacific  overtures  were  soon  made  by  the  French  Di- 
rectory ;  but  he  did  not  live  to  see  the  restoration  of  peace.  On 
Friday,  December  13,  1799,  while  attending  to  some  improve- 
ments upon  his  estate,  he  was  exposed  to  a  light  rain,  which 
wetted  his  neck  and  hair.  Unapprehensive  of  danger,  he  passed 
the  afternoon  in  his  usual  manner;  but  at  night  he  was  seized 
with  an  inflammatory  affection  of  the  windpipe.  The  disease 
commenced  with  a  violent  ague,  accompanied  with  some  pain, 
and  a  sense  of  stricture  in  the  throat,  a  cough,  and  a  difficult 
deglutition;  which  were  soon  succeeded  by  fever,  and  a  quick 
and  laborious  respiration.  About  twelve  or  fourteen  ounces  of 
blood  were  taken  from  him.  In  the  morning,  his  family  physi- 
cian, Doctor  Craik,  was  sent  for;  but  the  utmost  exertions  of 
medical  skill  were  applied  in  vain.  The  appointed  time  of  his 
death  was  near.  Believing  from  the  commencement  of  his 
complaint  that  it  would,  be  mortal,  a  few  hours  before  his  de- 
parture, after  repeated  efforts  to  be  understood,  he  succeeded 
in  expressing  a  desire  that  he  might  be  permitted  to  die,  with- 
out being  disquieted  by  unavailing  attempts  to  rescue  him  from 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  333 

his  fate.  After  it  became  impossible  to  get  any  thing  down  his 
throat,  he  undressed  himself  and  went  to  bed,  there  to  die.  To 
his  friend  and  physician,  who  sat  on  his  bed,  and  took  his  head 
in  his  lap,  he  said  with  difficulty,  'Doctor,  I  am  dying, and  have 
been  dying  for  a  long  time;  but  I  am  not  afraid  to  die.'  Res- 
piration became  more  and  more  contracted  and  imperfect,  until 
half  past  eleven  on  Saturday  night,  when,  retaining  the  full 
possession  of  his  intellect,  he  expired  without  a  struggle. 

Thus,  on  the  fourteenth  of  December,  1799,  in  the  sixty- 
eighth  year  of  his  age,  died  the  father  of  his  country,  'The 
man,  first  in  war,  first  in  peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his 
fellow-citizens.'  This  event  spread  a  gloom  over  the  country; 
and  the  tears  of  America  proclaimed  the  services  and  virtues  of 
the  hero  and  sage,  and  exhibited  a  people  not  insensible  to  his 
jrorth.  The  senate  of  the  United  States,  in  an  address  to  the 
president  on  this  melancholy  occasion,  indulged  their  patriotic 
pride,  while  they  did  not  transgress  the  bounds  of  truth,  in 
speaking  of  their  WASHINGTON.  'Ancient  and  modern 
names,'  said  they, '  are  diminished  before'him.  Greatness  and 
guilt  have  too  often  been  allied;  but  his  fame  is  whiter  than  it 
is  brilliant.  The  destroyers  of  nations  stood  abashed  at  the 
majesty  of  his  virtues.  It  reproved  the  intemperance  of  their 
ambition,  and  darkened  the  splendor  of  victory.  The  scene  is 
closed,  and  we  are  no  longer  anxious  lest  misfortune  should 
sully  his  glory;  he  has  travelled  on  to  the  end  of  his  journey, 
and  carried  with  him  an  increasing  weight  of  honor;  he  has 
deposited  it  safely  where  misfortune  cannot  tarnish  it,  where 
malice  cannot  blast  it.' 

General  Washington  was  rather  above  the  common  stature; 
his  frame  was  robust,  and  his  constitution  vigorous.  His  exte- 
rior created  in  the  beholder  the  idea  of  strength  united  with 
manly  gracefulness.  His  eyes  were  of  a  grey  colour,  and  his 
complexion  light.  His  manners  were  rather  reserved  than  free. 
His  person  and  whole  deportment  exhibited  an  unaffected  and 
indescribable  dignity,  unmingled  with  haughtiness,  of  which  all 
who  approached  him,  were  sensible.  The  attachment  of  those 
who  possessed  his  friendship,  was  ardent  but  always  respectful. 


334  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

His  temper  was  humane,  benevolent,  and  conciliatory ;  bat  there 
was  a  quickness  in  his  sensibility  to  any  thing  apparently  offen- 
sive, which  experience  had  taught  him  to  watch  and  correct. 
He  made  no  pretensions  to  vivacity  or  wit.  Judgment  rather 
than  genius  constituted  the  most  prominent  feature  of  his  char- 
acterv  As  a  military  man  he  was  brave,  enterprising,  and  cau- 
tious. At  the  head  of  a  multitude,  whom  it  was  sometimes 
impossible  to  reduce  to  proper  discipline  before  the  expiration 
of  their  time  of  service,  and  having  to  struggle  almost  contin- 
ually with  the  want  of  supplies,  he  yet  was  able  to  contend  with 
an  adversary  superior  in  numbers,  well  disciplined,  and  com- 
pletely equipped,  and  was  the  means  of  saving  his  country. 
The  measure  of  his  caution  has  by  some  been  represented  as 
too  abundant;  but  he  sometimes  formed  a  plan  which  his  brave 
officers  thought  was  too  adventurous,  and  sometimes  contrary  to 
their  advice  he  engaged  in  battle.  If  his  name  is  not  rendered 
illustrious  by  splendid  achievements,  it  is  not  to  be  attributed 
to  the  want  of  military  enterprise.  He  conducted  the  war  with 
that  consummate  prtfdence  and  wisdom,  which  the  situation  of 
his  country  and  the  state  of  his  army  demanded.  He  also  pos- 
sessed a  firmness  of  resolution,  which  neither  dangers  nor  diffi- 
culties could  shake.  In  his  civil  administration  he  exhibited 
repeated  proofs  of  that  practical  good  sense,  of  that  sound  judg- 
ment which  is  the  most  valuable  quality  of  the  human  mind* 
More  than  once  he  put  his  whole  popularity  to  hazard  in  pur- 
suing measures,  which  were  dictated  by  a  sense  of  duty,  and 
which  he  thought  would  promote  the  welfare  of  his  country. 
In  speculation  he  was  a  real  republican,  sincerely  attached  to 
the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  to  that  system  of  equal 
political  rights,  on  which  it  is  founded.  Real  liberty,  he  thought, 
was  to  be  preserved  only  by  preserving  the  authority  of  the 
laws,  and  maintaining  the  energy  of  government.  Of  incor- 
ruptible integrity,  his  ends  were  always  upright,  and  the  means 
which  he  employed,  were  always  pure.  He  was  a  politician, 
to  whom  wiles  were  absolutely  unknown.  When  any  measure 
of  importance  was  proposed,  he  sought  information,  and  was 
ready  to  hear  without  prejudice,  whatever  could  be  said  in  re- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  336 

Station  to  the  subject;  he  suspended  his  judgment  till  it  was 
necessary  to  decide:  but  after  his  decision  had  been  thus  deli- 
berately made  it  was  seldom  shaken,  and  he  was  as  active  and 
persevering  in  executing,  as  he  had  been  cool  in  forming  it. 
He  possessed  an  innate  and  unassuming  modesty,  which  adula- 
tion would  have  offended,  which  the  plaudits  of  millions  could 
not  betray  into  indiscretion,  and  which  was  blended  with  a  high 
sense  of  personal  dignity,  and  a  just  consciousness  of  the  respect 
which  is  due  to  station. 

With  regard  to  the  religious  character  of  Gen.  Washington, 
there  have  been  different  opinions.  In  the  extracts  from  some 
of  his  letters  which  have  been  published  by  the  historian  of  his 
life,  the  name  of  the  Supreme  Being  is  once  or  twice  introduced 
in  a  manner,  which,  in  common  conversation  is  deemed  irreve- 
rent. It  is  also  understood,  that  in  a  few  instances  during  the 
war,  particularly  when  he  met  General  Lee  retreating  in  the 
battle  of  Monmouth,  his  language  was  unguarded  in  this  respect. 
It  may  not  be  impossible,  that  a  good  man  in  a  moment  of  ex- 
treme irritation  should  utter  a  profane  expression ;  but  perhaps 
it  is  less  possible,  that  such  a  man,  when  his  passion  has  passed 
away,  and  his  sober  recollections  have  returned,  should  not  re- 
pent bitterly  of  his  irreverence  to  the  name  of  God.  On  the 
other  hand,  General  Washington,  when  at  the  head  of  the  army, 
issued  public  orders,  calling  upon  his  officers  to  discountenance 
the  habit  of  profanity;  he  speaks  in  his  writings  of  "  the  pure 
and  benign  light  of  revelation,"  and  of  the  necessity  of  imita- 
ting "the  charity,  humility,  and  pacific  temper  of  mind,  which 
were  the  characteristics  of  the  Di-  ine  Author  of  our  blessed 
religion;"  he  gratefully  acknowledged  the  interpositions  of  Pro- 
Tidence  in  favour  of  this  country;  his  life  was  upright  and  vir- 
tuous; he  principally  supported  an  episcopal  church  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Mount  Vernon,  where  he  constantly  attended 
public  worship;  during  the  war  he  not  unfrequently  rode  ten  or 
twelve  miles  from  camp  for  the  benefit  of  the  institutions  of 
religion;  and  it  is  believed,  that  he  every  day  had  his  hour  of 
retirement  from  the  world  for  the  purpose  of  private  devotion. 
General  Washington  was  blessed  with  abundant  wealth,  and 


336  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

he  was  no(  ignorant  of  the  pleasure  of  employing  it  for  generous 
purposes.  His  style  of  living  was  dignified,  though  he  main- 
tained the  strictest  economy.  While  he  was  in  the  army,  he 
wrote  to  the  superintendent  of  his  estate  in  the  following  terms: 
"Let  the  hospitality  of  the  house  be  kept  up  with  regard  to  the 
poor.  Let  no  one  go  hungry  away.  If  any  of  this  sort  of  peo- 
ple should  be  in  want  of  com,  supply  their  necessities,  provided 
it  does  not  encourage  them  in  idleness.  I  have  no  objection  to 
your  giving  my  money  in  charity,  when  you  think  it  will  be 
well-bestowed ;  I  mean,  that  it  is  my  desire,  that  it  should  be 
done.  You  are  to  consider,  that  neither  myself  nor  my  wife  are 
in  the  way  to  do  these  good  offices."  Thus  was  he  beneficent, 
while  at  the  same  time  he  required  an  exact  compliance  with 
engagements.  A  pleasing  proof  of  the  generous  spirit  which 
governed  him,  is  exhibited  in  his  conduct  towards  the  son  of  his 
friend  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette.  The  marquis,  after  fighting 
in  this  country  for  American  liberty,  had  returned  to  France; 
but  in  the  convulsions  of  the  French  revolution  he  was  exiled 
and  imprisoned  in  Germany.  General  Washington  gave  evi- 
dence of  sincere  attachment  to  the  unhappy  nobleman,  not  only 
by  exerting  all  his  influence  to  procure  his  release  from  confine- 
ment, but  by  extending  his  patronage  to  his  son,  who  made  his 
escape  from  France,  and  arrived  with  his  tutor  at  Boston,  in 
1795.  As  soon  as  he  was  informed  of  his  arrival,  he  wrote  to  a 
friend,  requesting  him  to  visit  the  young  gentleman  and  make 
him  acquainted  with  the  relations  between  this  country  and 
France,  which  would  prevent  the  president  of  the  United 
States  from  publicly  espousing  his  interest,  but  to  assure  him 
of  his  protection  and  support.  He  also  directed  his  friend  to 
draw  upon  him  for  moneys  to  defray  all  the  expenses  which 
young  La  Fayette  might  incur.  Towards  his  slaves  General 
Washington  manifested  the  greatest  care  and  kindness.  Their 
servitude  lay  with  weight  upon  his  mind,  and  he  directed  in 
his  will,  that  they  should  be  emancipated  on  the  decease  of  his 
wife.  There  were  insuperable  difficulties  in  the  way  of  their 
receiving  freedom  previous  to  this  event.  On  the  death  of  Mrs. 
Washington,  May  22d,  1802,  the  estate  of  Gen.  Washington,  as 


ANTHONY  WAYNE.  337 

he  had  no  children,  was  divided  accefdini?  to  his  will,  among 
his  and  her  rela1  ions.  Itan  unted  by  .1,3  own  climate,  to  more 
than  five  hundred  thousand  dolla  s." 


ANTHONY    WAYNE, 

Major-General  in  the  American  Army. 

"Anthony  Wayne,  a  major-general  in  the  American  army., 
occupies  a  conspicuous  station  among  the  heroes  and  patriots 
of  the  American  revolution.  He  was  born  in  the  year  1745,  in 
Chester  county,  in  the  slate,  then  colony,  of  Pennsylvania.  His 
father,  who  was  a  respectable  farmer,  was  many  years  a  repre- 
sentative for  the  county  of  Chester,  in  the  general  assembly, 
before  the  revolution.  His  grand-father,  who  was  distinguished 
for  his  attachment  to  the  principles  of  liberty,  bore  a  captain's 
commission  under  King  William,  at  the  battle  of  the  Boyne. 
Anthony  Wayne  succeeded  his  father  as  representative  for  the 
county  of  Chester,  in  the  year  1773;  and  from  bis  first  appear- 
ance in  public  life,  distinguished  himself  as  a  firm  and  decided 
patriot.  He  opposed,  with  much  ability,  the  unjust  demands 
of  the  mother  country,  and  in  connexion  with  some  gentlemen 
of  distingushed  talents,  was  of  material  service  in  preparing  the 
way  for  the  firm  and  decisive  part  which  Pennsylvania  took  in 
the  general  contest. 

In  1775,  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  a  regiment, 
which  his  character  enabled  him  to  raise  in  a  few  weeks,  in  his 
native  county.  Tn  the  same  year  he  was  detached  under  Gen. 
Thompson  into  Canada.  In  the  defeat  which  followed,  in  which 
Gen.  Thompson  was  made  a  prisoner,  Colonel  Wayne,  though 
wounded,  displayed  great  gallantry  and  good  conduct,  in  col- 
lecting and  bringing  off  the  scattered  and  broken  bodies  of 
troops. 

In  the  campaign  of  1776,  he  served  under  General  Gates,  at 
Ticonderoga,  and  was  highly  esteemed  by  that  officer  for  both 

♦Allen's  Biographical  Dictionary, 
43 


338  ANTHONY  WAYNE. 

his  bravery  and  skill  as  an  engineer.     At  the  close  of  that  cam- 
paign he  was  created  a  brigadier-general. 

At  the  battle  of  Brandy  wine,  he  behaved  with  his  usual  bra- 
ver}', and  for  a  long  time  opposed  the  progress  of  the  enemy  at 
Chad's  Ford.  In  this  action,  the  inferiority  of  the  Americans 
in  numbers,  discipline,  and  arms,  gave  them  little  chance  of  suc- 
cess; but  the  peculiar  situation  of  the  public  mind  was  sup- 
posed to  require  a  battle  to  be  risked:  the  ground  was  bravely 
disputed,  and  the  action  was  not  considered  as  decisive.  The 
spirit  of  the  troops  was  preserved  by  a  belief  that  the  loss  of 
the  enemy  had  equalled  their  own.  As  it  was  the  intention  of 
the  American  commander-in-chief  to  hazard  another  action  on 
the  first  favorable  opportunity  that  should  offer,  Gen.  Wayne 
was  detached  with  his  division,  to  harass  the  enemy  by  every 
means  in  his  power.  The  British  troops  were  encamped  at 
Tredyflfrin,  and  General  Wayne  was  stationed  about  three  miles 
in  the  rear  of  their  left  wing,  near  the  Paoli  tavern,  and  from 
the  precautions  he  had  taken,  he  considered  himself  secure,  but 
about  eleven  o'clock,  on  the  night  of  the  20th  September,  Maj. 
General  Gray,  having  driven  in  his  pickets,  suddenly  attacked 
him  with  fixed  bayonets.  Wayne,  unable  to  withstand  the  su- 
perior number  of  assailants,  was  obliged  to  retreat;  but  formed 
again  at  a  small  distance,  having  lost  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty  killed  and  wounded.  As  blame  was  attached  by  some  of 
the  officers  of  the  army,  to  General  Wayne,  for  allowing  him- 
self to  be  surprised  in  this  manner,  he  demanded  a  court  mar- 
tial, which,  after  examining  the  necessary  evidence,  declared 
that  he  had  done  every  thing  to  be  expected  from  an  active, 
brave,  and  vigilant  officer,  and  acquitted  him  with  honor. 

A  neat  marble  monument  has  been  recently  erected  on  the 
battle  ground,  to  the  memory  of  the  gallant  men  who  fell  on 
the  night  of  the  20th  September,  1777. 

Shortly  after  was  fought  the  battle  of  Germantown,  in  which 
he  greatly  signalized  himself,  by  his  spirited  manner  of  leading 
his  men  into  action.  In  this  action,  he  had  one  horse  shot  under 
him,  and  another  as  he  was  mounting;  and  at  the  same  instant, 
received  slight  wounds  in  the  left  foot  and  left  hand. 


ANTHONY  WAYNE.  339 

In  all  councils  of  war,  General  Wayne  was  distinguished  for 
supporting  the  most  energetic  and  decisive  measures.  In  the 
one  previous  to  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  he  and  Gen.  Cadwal- 
ader  were  the  only  officers  decidedly  in  favor  of  attacking  the 
British  army.  The  American  officers  are  said  to  have  been  in- 
fluenced by  the  opinions  of  the  Europeans.  The  Baron  De 
Steuben,  and  Generals  Lee  and  Du  Portail,  whose  military  skill 
was  in  high  estimation,  had  warmly  opposed  an  engagement,  as 
loo  hazardous.  But  General  Washington,  whose  opinion  was 
in  favour  of  an  engagement,  made  such  disposition  as  would  be 
most  likely  to  lead  to  it.  In  that  action,  so  honorable  to  the 
American  arms,  General  Wayne  was  conspicuous  in  the  ardor 
of  his  attack.  General  Washington,  in  his  letter  to  Congress, 
observes, '  Were  I  to  conclude  my  account  of  this  day's  trans- 
actions without  expressing  my  obligations  to  the  officers  of  the 
army  in  general,  I  should  do  injustice  to  their  merit,  and  vio- 
lence to  my  own  feelings.  They  seemed  to  vie  with  each  other 
in  manifesting  their  zeal  and  bravery.  The  catalogue  of  those 
who  distinguished  themselves,  is  too  long  to  admit  of  particu- 
larizing individuals.  I  cannot,  however,  forbear  mentioning 
Brigadier-General  Wayne,  whose  good  conduct  and  bravery, 
throughout  the  whole  action,  deserves  particular  commenda- 
tion."* 

"Among  the  many  exploits  of  gallantry  and  prowess  which 
shed  a  lustre  on  the  fame  of  our  revolutionary  army,  the  storm- 
ing of  the  fort  at  Stony-Point  has  always  been  considered  one  of 
the  most  brilliant. 

"To  General  Wayne,  who  commanded  the  light-infantry  of 
the  army,  the  execution  of  the  plan  was  intrusted.  Secrecy 
was  deemed  so  much  more  essential  to  success  than  numbers, 
that  it  was  thought  unadvisable  to  add  to  the  force  already  on 
the  lines.  One  brigade  was  ordered  to  commence  its  march  so 
as  to  reach  the  scene  of  action  in  time  to  cover  the  troops  en- 
gaged in  the  attack,  in  case  of  any  unlooked  for  disaster;  and 
Major  Lee,  of  the  light-dragoons,  who  had  been  eminently  use- 
ful in  obtaining  the  intelligence  which  led  to  the  enterprise,  was 

*  American  Biographical  Dictionary. 


340  ANTHONY  WAYNE. 

associated  with  General  Wayne,  as  far  as  cavalry  could  be  em- 
ployed in  such  a  service. 

The  night  of  the  15th  of  July,  1779,  was  fixed  on  for  the  as- 
sault; and  it  being  suspected  that  tue  garrison  would  probably 
be  more  on  their  guard  towards  day,  twelve  was  chosen  for  the 
hour. 

Stony-Point  is  a  commanding  hill,  projecting  far  into  the  Hud- 
son, which  washes  three-fourths  of  its  bai-e ;  the  remaining  fourth 
is  in  a  great  measure,  covered  by  a  deep  marsn,  commencing 
near  the  river  on  the  upper  side,  and  continuing  into  it  below. 
Over  this  marsh,  there  is  only  one  crossing  place.  But  at  its 
junction  with  the  river  is  a  sandy  beach  passable  at  Jow  tide. 
Oi  the  summit  of  this  hill  was  erected  the  fort,  which"  was  fur- 
nished with  a  sufficient  number  of  heavy  pieces  of  ordnance. 
Several  breastworks  and  strong  batteries  were  advanced  in  front 
of  the  principal  work,  and  about  half  way  down  the  hill,  were 
two  rows  of  abattis.  The  batteries  were  calculated  to  com- 
mand the  beach,  and  the  crossing  place  of  the  marsh,  and  to 
rake  and  enfilade  any  column  which  might  be  advancing  from 
either  of  those  points  towards  the  fort.  In  addition  to  these 
defences,  several  vessels  of  war  were  stationed  in  the  river,  so 
as,  in  a  considerable  degree,  to  command  the  ground  at  the  foot 
of  the  hill. 

The  fort  was  garrisoned  by  about  six  hundred  men,  undei 
the  command  of  lieutenant-colonel  Johnson. 

At  noon  of  the  day  preceding  the  night  of  attack,  the  light- 
infantry  commenced  their  march  from  Sandybeach,  distant 
fourteen  miles  from  Stony-Point,  and  passing  through  an  ex- 
cessively rugged  and  mountainous  country,  arrived  about  eight 
in  the  afternoon  at  Spring  Steel's,  one  and  a  half  miles  from  the 
fort,  where  the  dispositions  for  the  assault  were  made. 

It  was  intended  to  attack  the  works  on  the  right  and  left 
flanks  at  the  same  instant.  The  regiment  of  Febiger,  and  of 
Meiggs,  with  Maj.  Hull's  detachment,  formed  the  right  column, 
and  Butler's  regiment,  with  two  companies  under  Maj.  Murfree,. 
formed  the  left.  One  hundred  and  fifty  volunteers,  led  by 
lieutenant-colonel  Fleury  and  major  Posey,  constituted  the  van 


I 


ANTHONY  WAYNE.  341 

of  the  right;  and  one  hundred  volunteers  under  Major  Stuart, 
composed  the  van  of  the  left.  At  half  past  eleven,  the  two  col- 
umns moved  on  to  the  charge,  the  van  of  each  with  unloaded 
musket6  and  fixed  bayonets.  They  were  each  preceded  by  a 
forlorn  hope  of  twenty  men,  the  one  commanded  by  lieutenant 
Gibbon,  and  the  other  by  lieutenant  Knox,  whose  duty  it  was  to 
remove  the  abattis  and  other  obstructions,  in  order  to  open  a 
passage  for  the  columns  which  followed  close  in  the  rear. 

Proper  measures  having  been  taken  to  secure  every  indivi- 
dual on  the  route,  who  could  give  intelligence  of  their  approach, 
the  Americans  reached  the  marsh  undiscovered.  But  unex- 
pected difficulties  having  been  experienced  in  surmounting  this 
and  other  obstructions  in  the  way,  the  assault  did  not  commence 
until  twenty  minutes  after  twelve.  Both  columns  then  rushed 
forward,  under  a  tremendous  tire  of  musketry  and  grape  shot. 
Surmounting  every  obstacle,  they  entered  the  works  at  the  point 
of  the  bayonet,  and  without  having  discharged  a  single  piece, 
obtained  complete  possession  of  the  post. 

The  humanity  displayed  by  the  conquerors  was  not  less  con- 
spicuous, nor  less  honourable,  than  their  courage.  Not  a  single 
individual  suffered  after  resistance  had  ceased. 

All  the  troops  engaged  in  this  perilous  service  manifested  a 
degree  of  ardour  and  impetuosity,  which  proved  them  to  be 
capable  of  the  most  difficult  enterprises;  and  all  distingished 
themselves  whose  situation  enabled  them  to  do  so.  Colonel 
Fleury  was  the  first  to  enter  the  fort,  and  strike  the  British 
standard.  Major  Posey  mounted  the  works  almost  at  the  same 
instant,  and  was  the  first  to  give  the  watch-word — 'The  fort's 
our  own.'  Lieutenants  Gibbon  and  Knox  performed  the  service 
allotted  to  them,  with  a  degree  of  intrepidity  which  could  not 
be  surpassed.  Out  of  twenty  men  who  constituted  the  party 
of  the  former,  seventeen  were  killed  or  wounded. 

The  loss  sustained  by  the  garrison  was  not  considerable. 
The  return  made  by  lieutenant-colonel  Johnson,  represented 
their  dead  at  only  twenty,  including  one  captain,  and  their 
wounded,  at  six  officers,  and  sixty-eight  privates.  The  return 
m#de  by  General  Wayne  states  their  dead  at  sixty-three,  inclu- 


342  ANTHONY  WAYNE. 

ding  two  officers.  This  difference  may  be  accounted  for,  by 
supposing,  that  among  those  colonel  Johnson  supposed  to  be 
missing,  there  were  many  killed.  The  prisoners  amounted  to 
five  hundred  and  forty-three,  among  whom  were  one  lieutenant- 
colonel,  four  captains,  and  twenty  subaltern  officers.  The  mil- 
itary stores  taken  in  the  fort  were  also  considerable. 

The  loss  sustained  by  the  assailants  was  by  no  means  propor- 
tioned to  the  apparent  danger  of  the  enterprise.  The  killed 
and  wounded  did  not  exceed  one  hundred  men.  Gen.  Wayne 
himself,  who  marched  at  the  head  of  Febiger's  regiment  in  the 
right  column,  received  a  slight  wound  in  the  head,  which  stunned 
him  for  a  time,  but  did  not  compel  him  to  leave  the  column. 
Being  supported  by  his  aids,  he  entered  the  fort  with  the  regi- 
ment.    Lieutenant-colonel  Hay  was  also  among  the  wounded."* 

The  intrepidity,  joined  with  humanity,  its  noblest  companion, 
displayed  on  that  occasion,  by  General  Wayne  and  his  brave 
follower*,  cannot  be  too  highly  esteemed  nor  too  frequently  com- 
memmorated. 

General  orders  for  the  attack. 

The  troops  will  march  at  —  o'clock,  and  move  by  the  right, 
makiig  a  halt  at  the  creek,  or  run,  on  this  side,  next  Clement's; 
every  officer  and  non-commissioned  officer  will  remain  with,  and 
be  answerable  tor  every  man  in  his  platoon;  no  soldier  to  be 
permitted  to  quit  his  ranks  on  any  pretext  whatever,  until  a 
general  halt  is  made,  and  then  to  be  attended  by  one  of  the  of- 
ficers of  the  platoon. 

When  the  head  of  the  troops  arrive  in  the  rear  of  the  hill, 
Colonel  Febiger  will  form  his  regiment  into  a  solid  column  of  a 
half  platoon  in  front  as  fast  as  they  come  up.  Colonel  Meiggs 
will  torm  next  in  Colonel  Febiger's  rear,  and  Major  Hull  in  the 
rear  of  Meiggs,  which  will  form  the  right  column. 

Colonel  Butler  will  form  a  column  on  the  left  of  Febiger,and 
Major  Murphy  in  his  rear.  Every  officer  and  soldier  will  then 
fix  a  piece  of  white  paper  in  the  most  conspicuous  part  of  his 
hat  or  cap,  as  a  mark  to  distinguish  them  from  the  enemy. 

*  Marshal's  Life  of  Washington. 


ANTHONY  WAYNE.  343 

At  the  word  march,  colonel  Fleury  will  take  charge  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  determined  and  picked  men,  properly  officered, 
with  arms  unloaded,  placing  their  whole  dependence  on  fixed 
bayonets,  who  will  move  about  twenty  paces  in  front  of  the  right 
column,  and  enter  the  sally-port;  he  is  to  detach  an  officer  and 
twenty  men  a  little  in  front,  whose  business  will  oe  to  secure  the 
sentries,  and  remove  theabattis  and  obstructions  for  the  column 
to  pass  through.  The  column  will  follow  close  in  the  rear  with 
shouldered  muskets,  led  by  Colonel  Febiger  and  Geieral  Wayne 
in  person: — when  the  works  are  forced,  and  not  before,  the  vic- 
torious troops  as  they  enter  will  give  the  watch-word 

with  repeated  and  loud  voices,  and  drive  the  enemy  from  their 
works  and  guns,  which  will  favor  the  pass  of  the  whole  troops; 
should  the  enemy  refuse  to  surrender,  or  attempt  to  make  their 
escape  by  water  or  otherwise,  effectual  means  must  be  used  to 
effect  the  former  and  prevent  the  latter. 

Colonel  Butler  will  move  by  the  route  (2,)  preceded  by  one 
hundred  chosen  men  with  fixed  bayonets,  properly  officered,  at 
the  distance  of  twenty  yards  in  front  of  the  column,  which  will 
follow  under  Colonel  Butler,  with  shouldered  muskets.  These 
hundred  will  also  detach  a  proper  officer  and  twenty  men  a  lit* 
tie  in  front  to  remove  the  obstructions;  as  soon  as  they  gain  the 
works  they  will  also  give  and  continue  the  watchword,  which 
will  prevent  confusion  and  mistake. 

If  any  soldier  presume  to  take  his  musket  from  his  shoulder, 
or  to  fire,  or  begin  the  battle  until  ordered  by  his  proper  officer, 
he  shall  be  instantly  put  to  death  by  the  officer  next  him;  for  the 
misconduct  of  one  man  is  not  to  put  the  whole  troops  in  danger 
or  disorder,  and  he  be  suffered  to  pass  with  his  life. 

After  the  troops  begin  to  advance  to  the  works,  the  strictest 
silence  must  be  observed,  and  the  closest  attention  paid  to  the 
commands  of  the  officers. 

The  general  has  the  fullest  confidence  in  the  bravery  and 
fortitude  of  the  corps  that  he  has  the  happiness  to  command — the 
distinguished  honour  conferred  on  every  officer  and  soldier  who 
has  been  drafted  in  this  corps  by  his  excellency  General  Wash- 
ington, the  credit  of  the  states  they  respectively  belong  to,  and 


344  ANTHONY  WAYNE. 

their  own  reputations,  will  be  such  powerful  motives  for  each 
man  to  distinguish  himself,  thai  the  general  cannot  have  the 
least  doubt  of  a  glorious  victory;  and  he  hereby  most  solemnly 
engages  to  reward  the  first  man  that  enters  the  works  with  five 
hundred  dollars,  and  immediate  promotion,  to  the  second  four 
hundred  dollars,  to  the  third  three  hundred  dollars,  to  the  fourth 
two  hundred  dollars,  and  to  the  fifth  one  hundred  dollars;  and 
will  represent  the  conduct  of  every  officer  and  soldier,  who  dis- 
tinguishes himself  in  this  action,  in  the  most  favorable  point  of 
view  to  his  Excellency,  whose  greatest  pleasure  is  in  rewarding 
merit. 

But  should  there  be  any  soldier  so  lost  to  every  feeling  of 
honor,  as  to  attempt  to  retreat  one  sirgle  foot,  or  skulk  in  the 
face  of  danger,  the  officer  next  to  him  is  immediately  to  put 
him  to  death,  that  he  may  no  longer  disgrace  the  name  of  a  , 
soldier,  or  the  corps  or  state  he  belongs  to. 

As  General  Wayne  is  determined  to  share  the  danger  of  the 
night — so  he  wishes  to  participate  in  the  glory  of  the  day  in 
common  with  his  fellow-soldiers."* 

"Immediately  after  the  surrender  of  Stony-Point,  General 
Wayne  transmitted  to  the  commander-in-chief,  the  following  la- 
conic letter: — 

"  Stony-Point,  July  16,  1779. 
"2  o'clock,  A.  M. 

"Dear  General — The  fort  and  garrison,  with  Col.  Johnson, 
are  ours;  our  officers  and  men  behaved  like  men  determined  to 
be  free.  Yours  most  sincerely, 

"  Anthony  Wayne. 

*' General  Washington." 

In  the  campaign  of  1781,  in  which  Lord  Cornwallis,  and  a 
British  army  were  obliged  to  surrender  prisoners  of  war,  he 
bore  a  conspicuous  part.  His  presence  of  mind  never  failed 
him  in  the  most  critical  situations.  Of  this  he  gave  an  emi- 
nent example  on  the  James  river.  Having  been  deceived  by 
some  false  information,  into  a  belief  that  the  British  army  had 
passed  the  river,  leaving  but  the  rear-guard  behind,  he  hastened 

*  Analectic  Magazine. 


ft 


ANTHONY  WAYNE.  345 

to  attack  the  latter  before  it  should  also  have  effected  its  passage ; 
but  on  pushing  through  a  morass  and  wood,  instead  of  the  rear- 
guard, he  found  the  whole  British  army  drawn  up  close  to  him. 
His  situation  did  not  admit  of  a  moment's  deliberation.  Con- 
ceiving the  boldest  to  be  the  safest  measure,  he  immediately 
led  his  small  detachment,  not  exceeding  800  men,  to  the  charge, 
and  after  a  short,  but  very  smart  and  close  firing,  in  which  he 
lost  118  of  his  men,  he  succeeded  in  bringing  off  the  rest  under 
cover  of  the  wood.  Lord  Cornwallis,  suspecting  the  attack  to 
be  a  feint,  in  order  to  draw  him  into  an  ambuscade,  would  not 
permit  his  troops  to  pursue. 

The  enemy  having  made  a  considerable  head  in  Georgia 
Wayne  was  despatched  by  General  Washington  to  take  com- 
mand of  the  forces  in  that  state,  and,  after  some  sanguinary  enr 
gagements,  succeeded  in  establishing  security  and  order.  For 
his  services  in  that  state,  the  legislature  presented  him  with  a 
valuable  farm. 

On  the  peace,  which  followed  shortly  after,  he  retired  to 
private  life:  but  in  1789,  we  find  him  a  member  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania convention,  and  one  of  those  in  favor  of  the  present 
federal  constitution  of  the  United  States. 

In  the  year  1792,  he  was  appointed  to  succeed  General  St, 
Clair,  who  had  resigned  the  command  of  the  army  engaged 
against  the  Indians  on  our  western  frontier.  Wayne  formed  an 
encampment  at  Pittsburgh,  and  such  exemplary  discipline  was 
introduced  among  the  new  troops,  that,  on  their  advance  into 
the  Indian  country,  they  appeared  like  veterans. 

The  Indians  had  collected  in  great  numbers,  and  it  was  ne- 
cessary not  only  to  route  them,  but  to  occupy  their  country  by 
a  chain  of  posts,  that  should,  for  the  future,  check  their  preda- 
tory incursions.  Pursuing  this  regular  and  systematic  mode  of 
advance,  the  autumn  of. 1793  found  General  Wayne  with  his 
army,  at  a  post  in  the  wilderness,  called  Greenville,  about  six 
miles  in  advance  of  Fort  Jefferson,  where  he  determined  to  en 
camp  for  the  winter,  in  order  to  make  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments for  opening  the  campaign  to  effect  early  in  the  following 
spring.     After  fortifying  his  camp,  he  took  possession  of  the 

44 


21G  ANTHONY  WAYN'K. 

ground  on  which  the  Americans  had  been  defeated  in  I79f«, 
which  lie  fortified  also,  and  called  the  work  Fori  Recovery* 
Here  he  piously  collected,  and,  with  the  honors  of  war,  interred 
the  bones  of  the  unfortunate  although  gallant  victims  of  the  4th 
of  November,  1791.  The  situation  of  the  army,  menacing  the 
Indian  villages,  effectually  prevented  any  attack  on  the  white 
settlements.  The  impossibility  of  procuring  the  necessary  sup- 
plies prevented  the  march  of  the  troops  till  the  summer.  On 
the  8(n  of  August,  the  army  arrived  at  the  junction  of  the  rivers 
Au  Glaize  and  Miami  of  the  lakes,  where  they  erected  works 
for  the  protection  of  the  stores.  About  thirty  miles  from  this 
place  the  British  had  formed  a  post,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  the 
Indians  had  assembled  their  whole  force.  On  the  1 5th  the  army 
again  advanced  down  the  Miami,  and  on  the  1  8th  arrived  at  the 
R.tpids.  On  the  following  day  they  erected  some  works  for  the 
protection  of  the  baggage.  The  situation  of  the  enemy  wa9 
re.  onnoitered,  and  they  were  found  posted  in  a  thick  wood,  in 
the  rear  of  the  British  fort.  Oa  the  20th,  the  army  advanced 
to  the  attack.  The  Miami  covered  the  right  flank,  and  on  the 
left  were  the  mounted  volunteers,  commanded  by  Gen.  Todd. 
After  m;irching  about  five  miles,  Major  Price,  w-.o  led  the  ad- 
vance, received  so  he:i\  \  a  fire  from  the  Indians,  who  were  sta- 
tioned behind  the  trees,  that  he  was  compelled  to  fall  back. 
The  enemy  had  occupied  a  wood  in  the  front  of  the  British 
fort,  which,  from  the  quantity  of  fallen  timber,  could  not  be 
entered  by  the  horse.  The  legion  was  immediately  ordered  to 
advance  with  trailed  arms,  and  rouse  them  from  their  covert; 
the  cavalry  under  Captain  Campbell,  were  directed  to  pa-ss  be- 
tween the  Indians  and  the  river,  while  the  volunteers,  led  by 
General  Scott,  made  a  circuit  to  turn  their  flank.  So  rapid, 
however,  was  the  charge  of  the  legion,  that  before  the  rest  of 
of  the  army  could  get  into  action,  the  enemy  were  completely 
routed,  and  driven  through  the  woods  for  more  than  two  miles, 
and  the  troops  halted  within  gun-shot  of  the  British  fort.  AIL 
the  Indians'  houses  and  cornfields  were  destroyed.  In  this  de- 
cisive actio  i,  the  whole  loss  of  General  Wayne's  army,  in  killed 
and  wounded,  amounted  only  to  one  hundred  and  seven  men,.' 


OTHO  H.  WILLIAMS.  34? 

As  hostilities  continued  on  the  part  of  the  Indians,  their  whole 
country  was  laid  waste,  and  forts  established,  which  effectually 
prevented  their  return. 

The  success  of  this  engagement  destroyed  the  enemies'  pow« 
er;  and,  Hi  the  following  year,  Gen.  Wayne  concluded  a  defini- 
tive treaty  of  peace  with  them. 

A  life  of  peril  and  glory  was  terminated  in  December,  1796. 
He  had  shielded  his  country  from  the  murderous  tomahawk  of 
the  savage.  He  had  established  her  boundaries.  He  had 
forced  her  enemies  to  sue  for  her  protection.  He  beheld  her  tri- 
umphant, rich  in  arts  and  potent  in  arms.  What  more  could 
his  patriotic  spirit  wish  to  see?  He  died  in  a  hut  on  Presque 
Isle,  aged  about  fifty-one  years,  and  was  buried  on  the  shore  of 
Lake  Erie. 

A  few  years  since  his  bones  were  taken  up  by  his  son,  Isaac 
Wayne,  Esq.  and  entombed  in  his  native  county;  and  by  direc- 
tion of  the  Pennsylvania  State  Society  of  the  Cincinnati,  an 
elegant  monument  was  erected.  It  is  to  be  seen  within  the 
cemetery  of  St.  David's  Church,  situated  in  Chester  county. 
It  is  constructed  of  white  marble,  of  the  most  correct  symmetry 
and  beauty."* 


OTHO   H.    WILLIAMS, 

Brigadier-General  in  the  American  Army. 

"This  gentleman  was  formed  for  eminence  in  any  station. 
His  talents  were  of  a  high  order,  and  his  attainments  various 
and  extensive.  Possessing  a  person  of  uncommon  symmetry, 
and  peculiarly  distinguished  by  the  elegance  of  his  manners, 
he  would  have  graced,  alike,  a  court  or  a  camp. 

Rich  in  that  species  of  military  science  which  is  acquired  by 
experience,  and  a  correct,  systematic,  and  severe  disciplinarian, 
General  Greene  confided  to  him  the  important  trust  of  adjutant- 
general  to  the  southern  army.     The  services  which,  in  this  and 


*  American  Biographical  Dictionary. 


348  OTHO  H.  WILLIAMS. 

other  capacities,  he  rendered  to  that  division  of  the  American 
forces,  in  the  course  of  their  toilsome  and  perilous  operations 
were  beyond  all  praise. 

He  was  born  in  the  county  of  Prince  George,  in  the  year 
1748,  and  received,  during  his  youth,  but  a  slender  education. 
This  he  so  much  improved  by  subsequent  study,  that  few  men 
had  a  finer  taste,  or  a  more  cultivated  intellect. 

He  commenced  his  military  career,  as  lieutenant  of  a  rifle 
company,  in  1775;  and,  in  the  course  of  the  following  year, 
was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  a  major  in  a  rifle  regiment. 

In  this  corps  he  very  honorably  distinguished  himself  in  the 
defence  of  Fort  Washington,  on  York  Island,  when  assaulted  by 
Sir  William  Howe ;  and,  on  the  surrender  of  that  post  became 
a  prisoner. 

Having  suffered  much  by  close  confinement,  during  his  cap- 
tivity, he  was  exchanged  for  Major  Ackland,  after  the  capture 
of  Burgoyne,  and  immediately  rejoined  the  standard  of  his 
country. 

Being  now  promoted  to  the  rank  of  colonel  of  a  regiment  of 
infantry,  he  was  detached,  under  the  Baron  De  Kalb,  to  the 
army  of  the  south. 

General  Gates  having  been  appointed  to  the  command  of  this 
division  of  the  American  forces,  he  was  present  with  that  of- 
ficer, at  his  defeat  before  Camden;  and  during  the  action 
manifested  great  valor  and  skill,  in  directing  and  leading  the 
operations  against  the  enemy,  while  resistance  was  practicable; 
and  an  equal  degree  of  self-possession  and  address,  in  conduct- 
ing the  troops  from  the  field,  when  compelled  to  retreat. 

But  as  an  officer,  his  valor  and  skill  in  battle  were  among  the 
lowest  of  his  qualifications.  His  penetration  and  sagacity, 
united  to  a  profound  judgment,  and  a  capacious  mind,  rendered 
him,  in  the  cabinet,  particularly  valuable. 

Hence  he  was  one  of  General  Greene's  favorite  counsellors, 
during  the  whole  of  his  southern  campaigns.  Nor  did  any  thing 
ever  occur,  either  through  neglect  or  mistake,  to  impair  the 
confidence  thus  reposed  in  him.  In  no  inconsiderable  degree, 
he  was  to  Greene,  what  that  officer  had  been  to  General  Wash- 


OTHO  H.  WILLIAMS.  349 

ington,  his  strongest  hope  in  all  emergencies,  where  great  policy 
and  address  were  required. 

This  was  clearly  manifested,  by  the  post  assigned  to  him  by 
General  Greene,  during  his  celebrated  retreat  through  North 
Carolina. 

In  that  great  and  memorable  movement,  on  which  the  fate  of 
the  south  was  staked,  to  Williams  was  confided  the  command, 
of  the  rear-guard,  which  was  literally  the  shield  and  rampart 
of  the  army.  Had  he  relaxed,  but  for  a  moment,  in  his  vigi- 
lance and  exertion,  or  been  guilty  of  a  single  imprudent  act, 
ruin  must  have  ensued. 

Nor  was  his  command  much  less  momentous,  when,  recrossing 
the  Dan,  Greene  again  advanced  on  the  enemy.  Still  in  the 
post  of  danger  and  honor,  he  now,  in  the  van  of  the  army,  com- 
manded the  same  corps  with  which  he  had  previously  moved  in 
the  rear. 

A  military  friend,  who  knew  him  well,  has  given  us  the  fol- 
lowing summary  of  his  character: 

4  He  possessed  that  range  of  mind,  although  self-educated, 
which  entitled  him  to  the  highest  military  station,  and  was  ac- 
tuated by  true  courage,  which  can  refuse,  as  well  ay  give  bailie. 
Soaring  far  above  the  reach  of  vulgar  praise,  he  singly  aimed 
at  promoting  the  common  weal, satisfied  villi  the  consciousness 
of  doing  right,  and  desiring  only  that  share  of  applause,  which 
was  justly  his  own. 

There  was  a  loftiness  and  liberality  in  his  character,  which 
forbade  resort  to  intrigue  and  hypocrisy  in  the  accomplishment 
of  his  vie  vs,  and  rejected  the  contemptible  practice  of  dispa- 
raging others  to  exalt  himself. 

In  the  held  of  battle  he  was  self-possessed,  intelligent,  and 
ardent ;  in  camp,  circumspect,  attentive,  and  systematic ;  in  coun- 
cil, sincere,  deep,  and  perspicuous.  During  the  campaigns  of 
General  Greene,  he  was  uniformly  one  of  his  few  advisers,  and 
held  his  unchanged  confidence.  Nor  was  he  less  esteemed  by 
his  brother  officers,  or  less  respected  by  his  soldiery.' 

Shortly  before  the  close  of  the  war,  he  was  promoted  to  the 
rank  of  brigadier-general."* 

*  Life  of  Greene. 


(350) 


BENEDICT    ARNOLD, 

The  Traitor. 

tt  Benedict  Arnold,  a  major-general  in  the  American  army 
during  the  revolutionary  war,  and  infamous  foi  deserting  the 
cause  of  his  country,  was  early  chosen  captain  of  a  volunteer 
company  in  New-Haven,  Connecticut,  where  he  lived.  After 
hearing  of  the  battle  of  Lexington,  he  immediately  marched, 
with  his  company,  for  the  Am&rican  head-quarters,  and  reached 
Cambridge,  April  29,  1775. 

He  immediately  waited  on  the  Massachusetts  committee  of 
safety,  and  informed  them  of  the  defenceless  state  of  Ticonde- 
roga.  The  committee  appointed  him  a  colonel,  and  commis- 
sioned him  to  raise  four  hundred  men,  and  to  take  that  fortress. 
He  proceeded  directly  to  Vermont,  and  when  he  arrived  at 
Castleton,  was  attended  by  one  servant  only.  Here  he  joined 
Colonel  Allen,  and  on  the  tenth  of  May,  the  fortress  was  taken. 

In  the  fall  of  1775,  he  was  sent  by  the  commander-in-chief 
to  penetrate  through  the  wilderness  of  the  District  of  Maine, 
into  Canada.  On  the  16th  of  September,  he  commenced  his 
march,  with  about  one  thousand  men, consisting  of  N.England 
infantry,  some  volunteers,  a  company  of  artillery,  and  three 
companies  of  riflemen.  One  division  was  obliged  to  return,  or 
it  would  have  perished  by  hunger.  After  sustaining  almost 
incredible  hardships,  he  in  six  weeks  arrived  at  Point  Levi,  op- 
posite to  Quebec.  The  appearance  of  an  army  emerging  from 
the  wilderness,  threw  the  city  into  the  greatest  consternation. 
In  this  moment  of  surprise,  Arnold  might  probably  have  become 
master  of  the  place;  but  the  small  crafts  and  boats  in  the  river 
were  removed  out  of  his  reach. 

It  seems  that  his  approach  was  not  altogether  unexpected. 
He  had  imprudently,  a  number  of  days  before,  sent  forward  a 
letter  to  a  friend,  by  an  Indian,  who  betrayed  him.  A  delay  of 
several  days,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  passing  the  river 
was  inevitable:  and  the  critical  moment  was  lost. 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  351 

On  the  14th  of  November,  he  crossed  the  St.  Lawrence  in 
the  night;  a-id  ascending  the  precipice  which  Wolfe  had  climbed 
before  him,  formed  his  small  corps  on  the  height,  near  the  mem- 
oranle  Plains  of  Abraham.  With  only  about  seven  hundred 
men,  one-third  of  whose  muskets  had  been  rendered  useless  in 
their  march  through  the  wilderness,  success  could  not  be  ex- 
pected. After  parading  some  days  on  the  heights  near  the 
town,  and  sending  two  flags  to  summon  the  inhabitants,  he  re- 
tired to  Point  aux  Trembles,  twenty  miles  above  Quebec,  and 
there  awaited  the  arrival  of  Montgomery,  who  joined  him  on 
the  first  of  December.  The  city  was  immediately  besieged, 
but  the  best  measures  had  been  taken  for  its  defence.  On  the 
morning  of  the  last  day  of  the  year,  an  assault  was  made  on  the 
one  side  of  the  city,  by  Montgomery,  who  was  killed.  At  the 
same  time,  Colonel  Arnold,  at  the  head  of  about  three  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  made  a  desperate  attack  on  the  opposite  side. 
Advancing  with  the  utmost  intrepidity  along  the  St.  Charles, 
through  a  narrow  path,  exposed  to  an  incessant  fire  of  grape- 
shot  and  musketry  as  he  approached  the  first  barrier,  he  re- 
ceived a  musket-ball  in  the  leg,  which  shattered  the  bone;  and 
he  was  carried  off  to  the  camp.  Though  the  attack  was  un- 
successful, the  blockade  of  Quebec  was  continued  till  May 
1776;  when  the  army,  which  was  in  no  condition  to  risk  an 
assault,  was  removed  to  a  more  defensible  position.  Arnold 
was  compelled  to  relinquish  one  post  after  another,  till  the  18th 
of  June,  when  he  quitted  Canada.  After  this  period,  lie  exhi- 
bited great  bravery  in  the  command  of  the  American  fleet  on 
Lake  Champlain. 

In  August  1777,  he  relieved  Fort  Schuyler,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Colonel  Gansevoort,  which  was  invested  by  Colonel 
St.  Lcger,  with  an  army  of  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  hundred 
men.  In  the  battle  near  Stillwater,  September  the  nineteenth, 
he  conducted  himself  with  his  usual  intrepidity:  being  engaged 
incessantly,  for  four  hours.  In  the  action  of  October  the  7th, 
after  the  British  had  been  driven  into  their  lines,  Arnold  pressed 
forward,  and,  under  a  tremendous  fire,  assaulted  their  works 
from  right  to  left*     The  intrenchments  were  at  length  foreedy 


352  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

and  with  a  few  meu  he  actually  entered  the  works;  but  his 
horse  being  killed,  and  he  himself  badly  wounded  in  the  leg, 
he  found  it  necessary  to  withdraw,  and  as  it  was  now  almost 
dark,  to  desist  from  the  attack. 

Being  rendered  unfit  for  active  service,  in  consequence  of  his 
wound,  after  the  recovery  of  Philadelphia,  he  was  appointed  to 
the  command  of  the  American  garrison.  When  he  entered  the 
city,  he  made  the  house  of  Governor  Penn,  the  best  house  in 
the  city,  his  head-quarters.  This  he  furnished  in  a  very  costly 
manner,  and  lived  far  beyond  his  income.  He  had  wasted  the 
plunder,  which  he  had  seized  at  Montreal,  in  his  retreat  from 
Canada;  and  at  Philadelphia,  he  was  determined  to  make  new 
acquisitions.  He  laid  his  hands  on  every  thing  in  the  city, 
which  could  be  considered  as  the  property  of  those  who  were 
nufrieudly  to  the  cause  of  his  country.  He  was  charged  with 
oppression,  extortion,  and  enormous  charges  upon  the  public,  in 
his  accounts;  and  wit.i  applying  the  public  money  and  property 
to  his  own  private  use.  Such  was  his  conduct,  that  he  drew  upon 
himself  ihe  odium  of  the  inhabitants,  not  only  of  the  city,  but 
of  the  province  in  general.  He  was  engaged  in  trading  specu- 
lations, and  had  shares  in  several  privateers;  but  was  unsuc- 
cessful. 

From  the  judgment  of  the  commissioners,  who  had  been  ap- 
pointed to  inspect  his  accounts,  and  who  had  rejected  above  half 
the  amount  of  his  demands,  he  appealed  to  congress;  and  they 
appointed  a  committee  of  their  own  body  to  examine  and  settle 
the  business.  The  committee  confirmed  the  report  of  the  com- 
missioners, and  thought  they  had  allowed  him  more  than  he  had 
any  right  to  expect  or  demand.  By  these  disappointments  he 
became  irritated,  and  he  gave  full  scope  to  his  resentment. 
His  invectives  against  congress  were  not  less  violent,  than 
those  which  he  had  before  thrown  out  against  the  commis- 
sioners. He  was,  however,  soon  obliged  to  abide  the  judgment 
of  a  court-martial,  upon  the  charges  exhibited  against  him  by 
the  executive  of  Pennsylvania;  and  he  was  subjected  to  the  mor- 
tification of  receiving  a  reprim  iiid  from  Washington.  His  trial 
commenced  in  June,  i?78,  but  such  were  the  delays  occasioned 


i\     \»q 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  353 

fry  the  movements  of  the  armv,  that  it  was  not  concluded  until 
the  26th  day  of  January,  1779. — The  sentence  of  a  reprimand 
was  approved  by  congress,  and  was  soon  afterward  carried  into 
execution. 

Such  was  the  humiliation,  to  which  General  Arnold  was  re- 
duced, in  consequence  of  yielding  to  the  temptations  of  pride 
and  vanity,  and  indulging  himself  in  the  pleasures  of  a  sump- 
tuous table  and  expensive  equipage. 

From  this  time,  probably,  his  proud  spirit  revolted  from  the 
cau^e  of  America.  He  turned  his  eyes  to  West  Point  as  ,.n 
acquisition,  which  would  give  value  to  treason,  while  its  loss 
would  inflict  a  mortal  wound  on  his  former  friends.  He  ad- 
dressed himself  to  the  delegation  of  New-York,  in  which  state 
his  reputation  was  peculiarly  high;  and  a  member  of  congress 
from  this  state,  recommended  him  to  Washington  for  the  service 
which  he  desired.  But  this  request  could  not  be  immediately 
complied  with.  The  same  application  to  the  commander-in- 
chief  was  made  not  long  after 'vard  through  General  Schu^  ler. 
Washington  observed,  that,  as  there  was  a  prospect  of  an  ac- 
tive campaign,  he  should  be  gratified  with  the  aid  of  General 
Arnold  in  the  field,  but  intimated  at  the  same  time,  that  he 
should  receive  the  appointment  requested  if  it  should  be  more 
pleasing  to  him. 

Arnold,  without  discovering  much  solicitude,  repaired  to  camp 
in  the  beginning  of  August,  and  renewed  in  person,  the  solici- 
tations which  had  been  before  indirectly  made.  He  was  now 
offered  the  command  of  the  left  wing  of  the  army,  which  was 
advancing  against  New-York,  but  he  declined  it  under  the  pre- 
text, that  in  consequence  of  his  wounds,  he  was  unable  to  per- 
form the  active  duties  of  the  field.  Without  a  suspicion  of  his 
patriotism,  he  was  invested  with  the  command  of  We«t  Point. 
Previously  to  his  soliciting  this  station,  he  had,  in  a  letter  to 
Colonel  Robinson,  signified  his  change  of  principles  and  his 
wish  to  restore  himself  to  the  favor  of  his  prince,  by  some  sig- 
nal proof  of  his  repentance.  This  letter  opened  to  him  a  cor! 
respence  with  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  the  object  of  which  was  to 
4.5 


354  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

concert  the  means  of  putting  the  important  post,  which  he 
commanded,  into  the  possession  of  the  British  general. 

His  plan,  it  is  believed,  was  to  have  drawn  the  greater  part  of 
his  army  without  the  works,  under  the  pretext  of  righting  mc 
enemy  in  the  defiles,  and  to  have  left  unguarded  a  designated 
pass,  through  which  the  assailants  might  securely  approach  and 
surprise  the  fortress.  His  troops  he  intended  to  place,  so  that 
they  would  be  compelled  to  surrender,  or  be  cut  in  pieces.  But 
just  as  his  scheme  was  ripe  for  execution,  the  wise  Disposer  of 
events,  who  so  often  and  so  remarkably  interposed  in  favor  of 
the  American  cause,  blasted  his  designs. 

Major  Andre,  adjutant-general  of  the  British  army,  was  se- 
lected as  the  person,  to  whom  the  maturing  of  Arnold's  treason, 
and  the  arrangements  for  its  execution  should  be  committed. 
A  correspondence  was,  for  some  time,  carried  on  between  them 
under  a  mercantile  disguise,  and  the  feigned  names  of  Gustavus 
and  Anderson;  and  at  length,  to  facilitate  their  communications, 
the  Vulture  sloop  of  war  moved  up  the  North  River  and  took 
a  station  convenient  for  the  purpose,  but  not  so  near  as  to  excite 
suspicion.  An  interview  was  agreed  on,  and  in  the  night  of 
September  the  21st,  17S9,  he  was  taken  in  a  boat,  which  was 
despatched  for  the  purpose,  and  carried  to  the  beach  without 
the  posts  of  both  armies,  under  a  pass  for  John  Anderson.,,  He 
met  General  Arnold  at  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Smith.  While  the 
conference  was  yet  unfinished,  daylight  approached;  and  to 
avoid  the  danger  of  discovery,  it  was  proposed,  that  he  should 
remain  concealed  till  the  succeeding  night.  He  is  understood 
to  have  refused  to  be  carried  within  the  American  posts,  but  the 
promise  made  him  by  Arnold,  to  respect  this  objection,  was  not 
observed.  He  was  carried  within  them  contrary  to  his  wisles 
and  against  his  knowledge.  He  continued  with  Arnold  the 
succeeding  day,  and  when  on  the  following  night,  he  proposed 
to  return  to  the  Vulture,  the  boatmen  refused  to  carry  him, 
because  she  had,  during  the  day,  shifted  her  station,  in  conse- 
quence of  a  gun  having  been  moved  to  the  shore  and  brought 
to  bear  upon  her.     This  embarrassing  circumstance  reduced 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  355 

him  to  the  necessity  of  endeavoring  to  reach  New- York  by  land. 
Yielding  with  reluctance  towhe  urgent  representations  of  Ar- 
nold, he  laid  aside  his  regimentals,  which  he  had  hitherto  worn 
under  a  surtout,  and  put  on  a  plain  suit  of  clothes,  and  receiv? 
ing  a  pass  from  the  American  general  authorizing  him,  under 
the  feigned  name  of  John  Anderson,  to  proceed  on  the  public 
service,  to  the  White  Plains,  or  lower  if  he  thought  proper,  he 
set  out  on  his  return.  He  had  passed  all  the  guards  and  posts 
on  the  road  without  suspicion,  and  was  proceeding  to  New- 
York,  in  perfect  security,  when,  on  the  23d  of  September,  one 
of  three  militia-men,  who  were  employed  with  others  in  scout- 
ing parties  between  the  lines  of  the  two  armies,  springing  sud- 
denly from  his  covert  into  the  road,  seized  the  reins  of  his  bridle 
and  stopped  his  horse.  Instead  of  producing  his  pass,  Andre, 
with  a  want  of  self-possession,  which  can  be  attributed  only  to  a 
kind  Providence,  asked  the  man  hastily,  where  he  belonged ;  and 
being  answered,  4to  below,'  replied  immediately,  'and  so  do  1.' 
He  then  declared  himself  to  be  a  British  officer,  on  urgent  busi- 
ness, and  begged  that  he  might  not  be  detained.  The  other  two 
militia-men  coming  up  at  this  moment,  he  discovered  his  mis- 
take; but  it  was  too  late  to  repair  it.  He  offered  a  purse  of 
gold  and  a  valuable  watch,  to  which  he  added  the  most  tempt- 
ing promises  of  ample  reward  and  permanent  provision  from 
the  government,  if  they  would  permit  him  to  escape,  but  his 
offers  were  rejected  without  hesitation. 

The  militia-men,  whose  names  were  Johu  Paulding,  David 
Williams,  and  Isaac  Van  Wert,  proceeded  to  search  him.  They 
found  concealed  in  his  boots,  exact  returns,  in  Arnold's  hand- 
writing, of  the  state  of  the  forces,  ordnance,  and  defences  at 
West  Point  and  its  dependencies;  critical  remarks  on  the  works, 
and  an  estimate  of  the  men  ordinarily  employed  in  them,  with 
other  interesting  papers.  Andre  was  carried  before  lieutenant- 
colonel  Jameson,  the  officer  commanding  the  scouting  parties  on 
the  lines,  and,  regardless  of  himself,  and  only  anxious  for  the 
safety  of  Arnold,  he  still  maintained  the  character  which  he 
had  assumed,  and  requested  Jameson  to  inform  his  commanding 
officer  that  Anderson  was  taken.    An  express  was  accordingly 


356  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

despatched,  and  the  traitor,  thus  becoming  acquainted  with  hit 
danger,  escaped. 

Major  Andre,  after  his  detection,  was  permitted  to  send  a 
message  to  Arnold,  to  give  him  notice  of  his  danger,  and  the 
tranor  found  opportunity  to  escape  on  board  the  Vulture,  on 
t!.e  25lh  of  September,  1780,  a  few  hours  before  the  return  of 
Washington,  who  had  been  absent  on  a  journey  to  Hartlord, 
Connecticut.  It  is  supposed,  however,  that  he  would  not  have 
escaped,  had  not  an  express  \o  the  commander-in-chief,  with  an 
accou.  t  of  the  capture  of  Andre,  missed  him  by  taking  a  differ- 
ent it  ad    rom  ihe  one  which  he  travelled."* 

Arnold,  on  the  very  day  of  his  escape,  wrote  the  following 

letter  to  Washington: 

"  On  board  the  Vulture, 
"Sept,  25,  1780. 

"Sir — The  heart  which  is  conscious  of  its  own  rectitude  can- 
not attempt  to  palliate  a  step  which  the  world  may  censure  as 
wrong;  I  have  ever  acted  from  a  principle  of  love  to  my  coun- 
try, since  the  commencement  of  the  present  unhappy  contest 
be  ween  Great  Britain  and  the  colonies;  the  same  principle  of 
love  to  my  country  actuate?  my  present  conduct,  however  it 
may  appear  inconsistent  to  the  world,  who  very  seldom  judge 
right  of  any  man's  actions. 

"I  have  no  favor  to  ask  for  myself.  I  have  too  often  expe- 
rienced the  ingratitude  of  my  country  to  attempt  it;  but  from 
the  known  humanity  of  your  Excellency,  I  am  induced  to  ask 
your  protection  for  Mrs.  Arnold,  from  every  insult  or  injury  that 
the  mistaken  vengeance  of  my  country  may  expose  her  to.  It 
ought  to  fall  only  on  me;  she  is  as  good  and  as  innocent  as  an 
angel,  and  is  incapable  of  doing  wrong.  I  beg  she  may  be  per- 
mitted to  return  to  tier  friends  in  Philadelphia, or  to  come  tome,, 
as  she  may  choose;  from  your  Excellency  I  have  no  fears  on 
her  account,  but  she  may  suffer  from  the  mistaken  fury  of  the 
country. 

"I  have  to  request  that  the  enclosed  letter  may  be  delivered 
to  Mrs.  Arnold,  and  she  permitted  to  write  to  me. 

*  American  Biographical  Dictionary. 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  357 

<*  ]  have  also  to  ask  that  my  clothes  and  baggage,  which  are 
of  little  consequence,  may  be  sent  to  me;  if  required,  their 
value  shall  be  paid  in  money. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

"  B.  ARNOLD. 
•'His  Excellency,  General  Washington. 

"N.  B.  In  justice  to  the  gentlemen  of  my  family,  Col.  Var- 
rick,and  Major  Franks,  I  think  myself  in  honor  bound  to  declare 
that  they,  as  well  as  Joshua  Smith,  Esq.  (who  I  know  are  sus- 
pected) are  totally  ignorant  ol  any  transactions  of  mine,  which 
they  had  reason  to  believe  were  injurious  to  the  public." 

Mrs.  Arnold  was  conveyed  to  her  husband  at  New- York,  and 
his  clothes  and  baggage,  for  which  he  had  written,  were  trans- 
mitted to  him. 

u  The  following  is  a  concise  description  of  the  figures  exhibited 
And  paraded  through  the  streets  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  tzvo  or 
three  days  after  the  affair: 

"A  stage  raised  on  the  body  of  a  cart,  on  which  was  an  ef- 
figy of  General  Arnold  sitting;  this  was  dressed  in  regimentals, 
had  two  faces,  emblematical  of  his  traitorous  conduct,  a  mask 
in  his  left  hand,  and  a  letter  in  his  right  from  Belzebub,' telling 
him  that  he  had  done  all  the  mischief  he  could  do,  and  now"  he 
must  hang  himself. 

At  the  back  of  the  General  was  a  figure  of  the  devil,  dressed 
in  black  robes,  shaking  a  purse  of  money  at  the  General's  left 
ear,  and  in  his  right  hand  a  pitchfork,  ready  to  drive  him  into 
hell,  as  the  reward  due  for  the  many  crimes  which  his  thirst  of 
gold  had  made  him  commit. 

In  the  front  of  the  stage,  and  before  General  Arnold,  was 
placed  a  large  lanthorn  of  transparent  paper,  with  the  conse- 
quences of  his  crimes  thus  delineated,  t.  e.  on  one  part  Genera/ 
Arnold  on  his  knees  before  the  devil,  who  is  pulling  him  into 
the  dames — a  label  from  the  General's  mouth  with  these  worda: 
4  My  dear  sir,  I  have  served  you  faithfully;'  to  which  the  devil 
replies, 'And  I'll  reward  you.'  On  another  side,  two  figures 
hanging,  inscribed  'The  Traitor's  Reward,'  and  wrote  under- 
neath, 'The  Adjutant-General  of  die  British  Army,  and  Joe 


358  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

Smith;  the  first  hanged  as  a  spy,  and  the  other  as  a  traitor  to 
his  country.'  And  on  the  front  of  the  lanthorn  was  wrote  the 
folio    ing: 

"  Major  General  Benedict  Arnold,  late  commander  of  the  fort 
West  Point.      The  crime  of  this  man  is  high  treason. 

He  has  deserted  the  important  post,  West  Point,  on  Hudson's 
River,  committed  to  his  charge  by  his  Excellency  the  com- 
mander-in-chief, and  is  gone  oil  to  the  enemy  at  New-York. 

His  design  to  have. given  up  this  fortress  to  our  enemies  has 
been  discovered  by  the  goodness  of  the  Omniscient  Creator, 
who  has  not  only  prevented  him  from  carrying  it  into  execution, 
but  has  thrown  into  our  hands  Andre,  the  Adjutant-General  of 
their  army,  who  was  detected  in  the  infamous  character  of  a  spy. 
The  treachery  of  the  ungrateful  general  is  held  up  to  public 
view  for  the  exposition  of  infamy;  and  to  proclaim  with  joyful 
acclamation,  another  instance  of  the  interposition  of  a  boun- 
teous Providence. 

The  effigy  of  this  ingrate  is  therefore  hanged,  (for  want  of 
his  body,)  as  a  traitor  to  his  native  country,  and  a  betiayer  of 
the  laws  of  honor." 

The  procession  began  about  four  o'clock,  in  the  following 
order : 

Several  gentlemen  mounted  on  horseback. 

A  line  of  continental  officers. 

Sundry  gentlemen  in  a  line. 

A  guard  of  the  city  infantry. 

Just  before  the  cart,  drums  and  fifes  playing  the 

Rogue's  March. 
Guards  on  each  side. 
The  procession  was  attended  with  a  numerous  concourse  of 
people,  who,  after  expressing  their  abhorrence  of  the  treason 
and  the  traitor,  committed  him  to  the  flames,  and  left  both  the 
effigy  and  the  original  to  sink  into  ashes  and  oblivion."* 

"During  the  exertions  which  were  made  to  rescue  Andre 
from  the  destruction  which  threatened  him,  Arnold  had  the  har- 
dihood to  interpose.     He  appealed  to  the  humanity  of  the  com- 

*Nills,  Revolution. 


I 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  369 

mander-in-chief,  and  then  sought  to  intimidate  him,  by  stating 
the  situation  of  many  of  the  principal  characters  of  South  Car- 
olina, who  had  forfeited  their  lives,  but  had  hitherto  been  spared 
through  the  clemency  of  the  British  general.  This  clemency, 
he  said,  could  no  longer,  in  justice,  be  extended  to  them,  should 
Major  Andre  suffer. 

Arnold  was  made  a  brigadier-general  in  the  British  service; 
which  rank  he  preserved  throughout  the  war.  Yet  he  must 
have  been  held  in  contempt  and  detestation  by  the  generous 
and  honorable.  It  was  impossible  for  men  of  this  description, 
even  when  acting  with  him,  to  forget  that  he  was  a  traitor,  first 
the  slave  of  his  rage,  then  purchased  with  gold,  and  finally  secu- 
red by  the  blood  of  one  of  the  most  accomplished  officers  in 
the  British  army.  One  would  suppose  that  his  mind  could  not 
have  been  much  at  ease;  but  he  had  proceeded  so  far  in  vice, 
that  perhaps  his  reflections  gave  him  but  little  trouble.  il  am 
mistaken,'  says  Washington,  in  a  private  letter,  'if,  at  this  time, 
Arnold  is  undergoing  the  torments  of  a  mental  hell.  He  wants 
feeling.  From  some  traits  of  his  character,  which  have  lately 
come  to  my  knowledge,  he  seems  to  have  been  so  hacknied  in 
crime,  so  lost  to  all  sense  of  honor  and  shame,  that  while  his 
faculties  still  enable  him  to  continue  his  sordid  pursuits,  there 
will  be  no  time  for  remorse.' 

Arnold  found  it  necessary  to  make  some  exertions  to  secure 
the  attachment  of  his  new  friends.  With  the  hope  of  alluring 
many  of  the  discontented  to  his  standard,  he  published  an  ad- 
dress to  the  inhabitants  of  America,  in  which  he  endeavored  to 
justify  his  conduct.  He  had  encountered  the  dangers  of  the 
field,  he  said,  from  apprehension  that  the  rights  of  his  country- 
were  in  danger.  He  had  acquiesced  in  the  declaration  of  in4 
dependence,  though  he  thought  it  precipitate.  But  the  rejec- 
tion of  the  overtures,  made  by  Great  Britain  in  1778,  and  the 
French  alliance,  had  opened  his  eyes  to  the  ambitious  views  of 
those,  who  would  sacrifice  the  happiness  of  their  country  to 
their  own  aggrandisment,  and  had  made  him  a  confirmed  roy- 
alist. He  artfully  mingled  assertions,  that  the  principal  mem- 
bers of  congress  held  the  people  in  sovereign  contetapt. 


360  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

This  was  followed  in  about  a  fortnight  by  a  proclamation,  ad- 
dressed '  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  continental  army, 
who  have  the  peal  interests  of  their  country  at  heart,  and  who 
are  determined  to  be  no  longer  the  tools  and  dupes  of  congress 
or  of  France.'  To  induce  the  American  officers  and  soldiers 
to*  desert  the  cause  which  they  had  embraced,  he  represented 
that  the  corps  of -cavalry  and  infantry,  which  he  was  authorized 
to  raise,  would  be  upon  the  same  footing  with  the  other  troops 
in  the  British  service;  that  he  should  with  pleasure  advance 
those  whose  valor  he  had  vvitne?sed;  and  that  the  private  men. 
who  joined  him  should  receive  a  bounty  of  three  guineas  each, 
besides  payment,  at  the  full  value,  for  horses,  arms,  and  accou- 
trements. His  object  was  the  peace,  liberty,  and  safety  of 
America.  'You  are  promised  liberty,'  he  exclaims,  'but  is 
there  an  individual  in  the  enjoyment  of  it  saving  your  oppres- 
sors? Who  among  you  dare  to  speak  or  write  what  he  thinks 
against  the  tyranny  which  has  robbed  you  of  your  property, 
imprisons  your  persons,  drags  you  to  the  field  of  battle,  and  is 
daily  deluging  your  country  with  blood?1  'What,' lie  exclaims 
again, '  is  America  now  but  a  land  of  widows,  orphans,  and  beg- 
gars? As  to  you,  who  have  been  soldiers  in  the  continental 
army,  can  you  at  this  day  want  evidence,  that  the  funds  of  your 
country  are  exhausted,  or  that  the  managers  have  applied  ithem 
to  their  private  uses?  In  either  case  you  surely  can  no  longer 
continue  in  their  service  with  honor'or  advantage.  Yet  you  have 
hitherto  been  their  supporters  in  that  cruelty,  which,  with  equal 
indifference  to  yours,  as  well  as  to  the  labor  and  blood  of  others, 
is  devouring  a  country,  that  from  the  moment  you  quit  their 
colors,  will  be  redeemed  from  their  tyranny.' 

These  proclamations  did  not  produce  the  effect  designed,  and 
in  all  the  hardships,  sufferings,  and  irritations  of  tne  war,  Ar- 
nold remains  the  solitary  instance  of  an  American  officer,  who 
abandoned  the  side  first  embraced  in  the  contest,  and  turned 
his  sword  upon  his  former  companions  in  arms. 

He  was  soon  despatched  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  to  make  a 
diversion  in  Virginia.  With  about  seventeen  hundred  men 
he  arrived  in  the  Chesapeake,  in  January,  1781,  and  being 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  361 

supported  by  such  a  naval  force  as  was  suited  to  the  nature  of 
the  service,  he  committed  extensive  ravages  on  the  rivers,  and 
along  the  unprotected  coasts.  It  is  said  that,  while  on  this  ex* 
pedition,  Arnold  inquired  of  an  American  captain  whom  he  had 
taken  prisoner,  what  the  Americans  would  do  with  him  if  he 
should  fall  into  their  hands.  The  captain  at  first  declined  giv- 
ing him  an  answer,  but  upon  being  repeatedly  urged  to  it,  he 
said, '  Why,  sir,  if  I  must  answer  your  question,  you  must  ex- 
cuse my  telling  you  the  plain  truth:  if  my  countrymen  should 
catch  you,  I  believe  they  would  first  cut  off  that  lame  leg,  which 
was  wounded  in  the  cause  of  freedom  and  virtue,  and  bury  it 
with  the  honors  of  war,  and  afterward  hang  the  remainder  of 
your  body  in  gibbets.'  The  reader  will  recollect  that  the  cap- 
tain alluded  to  the  wound  Arnold  received  in  one  of  his  legs  at 
the  attack  upon  Quebec,  in  1776." 

The  return  of  General  Arnold  to  New- York  from  Virginia, 
did  not  fix  him  in  a  state  of  inactivity.     He  was  sent  on  an  en- 
terprise against  New-London,  with  a  sufficient  land  and  marine 
force. — The  embarkation  having  passed  over  from  Long  Island 
shore  in  the  night,  the  troops  were  landed  in  two  detachments 
on  each  side  of  the  harbor,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the 
6th  of  September;  that  on  the  Groton  side  being  commanded 
by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Eyre,  and  that  on  New-London  side  by 
the  general,  who  met  no  great  trouble.     Fort  Trumbull  and 
the  redoubt,  which  were  intended  to  cover  the  harbor  and  town, 
not  being  tenable,  were  evacuated  as  he  approached,  and  the 
few  men  in  them  crossed  the  river  to  fort  Griswold,  on  Groton 
Hill.     Arnold  proceeded  to  the  town  without  being  otherwise 
opposed  than  by  the  scattered  fire  of  small  parties  that  had  has- 
tily collected.      Orders  were  sent  by  the  general  to  Eyre  for 
attacking  Fort  Griswold,  that  so  the  possession  of  it  might  pre- 
vent the  escape  of  the  American  shipping.     The  militia,  to  the 
amount  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-seven,  collected  for  its  defence, 
but  so  hastily  as  not  to  be  fully  furnished  with  fire  arms  and 
other  weapons,     As  the  assailants  approached,  a  firing  com- 
menced, and  the  flag-staff  was  soon  shot  down,  from  whence 
the  neighboring  spectators  inferred  that  the  place  had  surren- 

•1R 


362  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

dered,  till  the  continuance  of  the  firing  convinced  them  to  the 
contrary.  The  garrison  defended  themselves  with  the  greatest 
resolution  and  bravery;  Eyre  was  wounded  near  the  works,  and 
Major  Montgomery  was  killed  immediately  after,  so  that  the 
command  devolved  on  Major  Broomfield.  The  British  at  one 
time  staggered;  but  the  fort  being  out  of  repair,  could  not  he 
maintained  by  a  handful  of  men  against  so  superior  a  number 
as  that  which  assaulted  it.  After  an  action  of  about  forty 
minutes,  the  resolution  of  the  royal  troops  carried  the  place  by 
the  point  of  the  bayonet.  The  Americans  had  not  more  than 
half  a  dozen  kihed  before  the  enemy  entered  the  fort,  when  a 
severe  execution  took  place,  though  resistance  ceased.  The 
British  officer  inquired,  on  his  entering  the  fori,  who  com-, 
manded?  Colonel  Ledyard  answered — •!  did,  sir,  but  you  do 
now;'  and  presented  him  his  sword.  The  colonel  was  imme- 
diately run  through  and  killed.  The  slain  were  seventy-three: 
the  wounded  between  thirty  and  forty,  and  about  forty  were 
carried  off  prisoners.  Soon  after  reducing  the  fort,  the  soldiers 
loaded  a  wagon  with  wounded,  as  said,  by  order  of  their  offi- 
cers, and  set  the  wagon  off  from  the  top  of  the  hill,  which  is 
long  and  very  steep;  the  wagon  went  a  considerable  distance 
with  great  force,  till  it  was  -uddenly  stopped  by  an  apple  tree, 
which  gave  the  faint  and  bleeding  men  so  terrible  a  shock  that 
part  of  them  died  instantly.  About  fifteen  vessels,  with  the 
effects  of  the  inhabitants,  retreated  up  the  river,  notwithstand- 
ing the  reduction  of  the  fort,  and  four  others  remained  in  the 
harbor  unhurt;  a  number  were  burnt  by  the  fire's  commuica- 
ting  from  the  stores  when  in  flames.  Sixty  dwelling  houses 
and  eighty-four  stores  were  burned,  including  those  on  both 
sides  of  the  harbor  and  in  New-London.  The  burning  of  the 
town  was  intentional  and  not  accidental.  The  loss  that  the 
Americans  sustained  in  this  destruction  was  very  great;  for 
there  were  large  quantities  of  naval  stores,  of  European  goods, 
of  East  and  West  India  commodities,  and  of  provisions  in  the 
several  stores.  The  British  had  two  commissioned  officers  and 
forty-six  privates  killed;  eight  officers,  (some  of  whom  are  since 
dead)  with  135  non-commissioned  and  privates  wounded."* 

*  Niles1  Revolution. 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  368 

"From  the  conclusion  of  the  war  till  his  death,  Gen.  Art-old 
resided  chiefly  in  England.  He  died  in  Gloucester  place,  Lon- 
don, June  14,  1801.  His  character  presents  little  to  be  com- 
mended.— His  daring  courage  may  excite  admiration;  but  it 
was  a  courage  without  reflection  and  without  principle.  He 
fought  bravely  for  his  country;  and  he  bled  in  her  cause;  but 
his  country  owed  him  no  returns  of  gratitude,  for  his  subsequent 
conduct  proved,  that  he  had  no  honest  regard  to  her  interests, 
but  was  governed  by  selfish  considerations.  His  progress  from 
self-indulgence  to  treason,  was  easy  and  rapid.  He  was  vain 
and  luxurious,  and  to  gratify  his  giddy  desires,  he  must  resort 
to  meanness,  dishonesty,  and  extortion.  These  vices  brought 
with  them  disgrace;  and  the  contempt  into  which  he  fell,  awa- 
kened a  spirit  of  revenge,  and  left  him  to  the  unrestrained  in- 
fluence of  his  cupidity  and  passion.  Thus  from  the  high  fame 
to  which  his  bravery  had  elevated  him,  he  descended  into  in- 
famy. Thus  too,  he  furnished  new  evidence  of  the  infatuation 
of  the  human  mind,  in  attaching  such  value  to  the  reputation 
of  a  soldier,  which. may  be  obtained  while  the  heart  is  unsound, 
and  every  moral  sentiment  is  entirely  depraved."* 

*  American  Biographical  Dictionary. 


BIOGRAPHY 


OF 

REVOLUTIONARY  NAVAL  OFFICERS. 


John  paul  jones, 

Commodore  in  the  American  Navy. 

"The  following  interesting  narrative  is  translated  frorrt  a 
French  manuscript,  written  by  himself.  While  we  condemn 
the  author  for  his  egotism,  we  must  make  great  allowances,  on 
that  account,  for  the  splendid  success  that  attended  his  enter- 
prises, and  estimate  his  vanity  by  the  reasons  he  had  to  be  vain. 
Few  even,  perhaps,  circumstanced  as  Paul  Jones  was,  would 
have  praised  themselves  less  than  he  has  done  in  this  sketch; 
which  possesses  the  singular  merit  of  being  substantially  cor- 
rect in  all  its  parts,  so  far  as  we  are  informed  of  the  matter."* 

At  the  commencement  of  the  American  war  (during  the  year 
1775)  I  was  employed  to  fit  out  a  little  squadron,  which  the 
congress  had  placed  under  Commodore  Hopkins,  who  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  command  of  all  the  armed  vessels  appertaining 
to  America;  and  I  hoisted,  with  my  own  hands,  the  American 
flag,  on  board  the  Alfred,  which  was  then  displayed  for  the  first 
time. 

I  at  the  same  time  acquainted  Mr.  Hewes,  a  member  of  con- 
gress, and  my  particular  friend,  with  a  project  for  seizing  on  the 
Island  of  St.  Helena,  by  means  of  our  little  squadron,  which 
would  have  infallibly  rendered  us  masters  of  part  of  the  home- 
ward-bound East  India  fleet;  and  as  the  congress,  at  that  time, 
proposed  to  appropriate  two  thirds  of  the  prizes  to  itself,  they 
would  have  thus  been  furnished  with  the  means  of  carrying  on 

*  Niles'  Register. 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  3G5 

the  war  during  several  years;  but  an  event  of  a  more  pressing 
nature  prevented  this  scheme  from  being  carried  into  execution. 

The  cruelties  and  vexations  at  that  time  exercised  by  Dun- 
more,  in  Virginia,  determined  the  congress  to  detach  the  squad- 
ron against  him;  but  Mr.  Hopkins  displayed  neither  zeal  nor 
talents  upon  this  occasion,  and  lost  so  much  time  that  his  squad- 
ron was  frozen  in  the  Delaware. 

After  a  delay  of  two  months,  the  squadron  was  at  length  dis- 
engaged, and  set  sail  for  New-Providence,  the  principal  of  the 
Bahama  islands.  There  we  found  a  large  quantity  of  artiller}r, 
mortars,  and  other  implements  of  warfare,  of  which  wc  stood 
greatly  in  want  in  America;  and  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  ren- 
der myself  extremely  useful  to  the  Commodore,  who  was  but 
little  acquainted  with  military  operations.  It  was  to  me  he  was 
indebted  for  the  plan  adopted  by  him  when  the  squadron  came 
in  sight  of  New-Providence,  and  1  also  undertook  to  moor  the 
squadron  in  a  proper  birth  to  execute  our  enterprise. 

On  our  return  from  New-Providence  we  took  two  armed  ves- 
sels, one  of  which  was  loaded  with  bombs,  and  fell  in,  near  Rhode 
Island,  with  an  English  man  of  war,  called  the  Glasgow,  carry- 
ing twenty-four  guns;  but,  notwithstanding  our  superiority,  both 
in  point  of  force  and  sailing,  the  commander-in-chief  suffered 
her  to  escape,  after  having  lost  many  men  killed  and  wounded, 
both  on  board  the  Alfred  and  the  Cabot. 

The  squadron  now  entered  the  port  of  New-London,  in  Con- 
necticut; and  Hopkins,  on  receiving  intelligence  that  the  Eng- 
lish frigates  had  been  driven  from  Newport,  took  advantage  of 
the  darkness  of  the  nights  to  repair  to  Rhode  Island. 

A  council  of  war  having  dismissed  the  captain  of  the  Provi- 
dence, one  of  the  ships  of  the  squadron,  the  Commodore  gave 
me  orders  in  writing  to  take  the  command  of  her,  and  to  escort 
some  troops  that  were  proceeding  from  Rhode  Island  to  New- 
York,  with  a  view  of  serving  under  General  Washington.  Af- 
ter this,  I  received  instructions  to  escort  a  convoy  of  artillery 
from  Rhode  Island  to  New- York,  for  the  defence  of  which  it  was 
destined.  On  this  occasion  I  had  two  different  engagements  with 
the  Cerberus  frigate ;  the  first  for  the  protection  of  the  vessels  un- 


366  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

der  my  command,  and  the  second  for  the  preservation  of  a  vessel 
from  St.  Domingo,  laden  with  naval  stores  for  the  congress.  In 
the  course  of  my  service  between  Boston  and  New- York,  1  had 
also  many  actions  with  ships  of  war  under  the  command  of  Lord 
Howe;  but  on  these,  as  on  former  occasions,  1  was  enabled  to 
preserve  my  convoy,  and  I  at  length  arrived  safe  in  the  Dela- 
ware, August  1,  1776. 

On  the  8th  of  the  same  month  the  president  of  the  congress 
presented  me  in  person,  with  the  commission  of  captain  in  the 
marine  of  the  United  States;  ihis  was  the  first  granted  by  con- 
gress since  the  declaration  of  independence,  which  took  place 
#n  the  4th  of  July  of  that  same  year. 

Orders  had  been  given  for  the  construction  of  thirteen 
frigates;  but,  as  none  of  them  was  yet  ready,  I  proceeded  to 
sea  alone,  on  board  the  Providence,  which  was  a  vessel  of  but 
small  force,  as  she  carried  no  more  than  seventy  men,  and 
twelve  small  cannon.  When  in  the  neighborhood  of  Bermu- 
das, we  fell  in  with  the  Solebay,  and  her  convoy,  from  Charles- 
ton; she  was  a  thirty-two  gun  frigate,  and  formed  part  of  the 
squadron  under  Admiral  Parker.  I  was  of  course  desirous  to 
avoid  an  engagement  with  such  superior  force;  but,  as  my  offi- 
cers and  men  insisted  that  it  was  the  Jamaica  fleet,  as  it  was 
necessary  to  command  by  means  of  persuasion  at  this  epoch  of 
the  war,  the  result  was  a  serious  engagement  during  six  hours, 
which,  toward  the  close,  was  carried  on  within  pistol  shot.  A 
desperate  mancevre  was  the  sole  resource  left  me;  I  attempted 
this,  it  succeeded,  and  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  disengage 
myself. 

A  short  time  after  this,  I  took  several  prizes,  and  then  sailed 
towards  the  coast  of  Nova  Scotia,  on  purpose  to  destroy  the 
whale  and  cod  fisheries  in  that  neighborhood.  When  near  Sa- 
ble Island,  we  fell  in  with  the  Milford  frigate,  carrying  thirty- 
two  guns,  with  which  it  was  impossible  to  avoid  an  engagement. 
A  cannonade  accordingly  took  place,  from  ten  o'clock  in  the 
morning  until  sunset;  but  the  engagement  was  neither  so  close 
nor  so  hot  as  that  with  the  Solebay,  and  I  at  length  escaped  by 
parsing  through  the  flats,  and  entered  a  little  harbor  next  day, 
where  I  destroyed  the  fishery  and  vessels. 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  367 

After  this  I  set  sail  for  lie  Madame,  where  I  made  two  de- 
scend, at  the  same  time  destroying  the  fisheries,  and  burning  all 
the  vessels  I  could  not  carry  away  with  me.  Having  accom- 
plished this,  I  returned  to  Rhode  Island,  after  an  absence  of  six 
weeks  and  five  days  from  the  Delaware;  during  this  interval  I 
had  taken  sixteen  prizes,  without  including  those  destroyed. 

The  commander-in-chief,  who  had  remained  all  this  time  in 
harbor,  now  adopted  a  plan  proposed  by  me,  and  which  con- 
sisted, 

1.  In  the  destruction  of  the  enemy's  fisheries  at  He  Royale; 
and 

2.  Of  restoring  to  liberty  more  than  three  hundred  Ameri- 
can prisoners  detained  there  in  the  coal  mines.  Three  vessels 
were  destined  for  this  service,  the  Alfred,  the  Hampden,  and 
the  Providence;  but  the  Hampden  having  received  considerable 
damage  in  consequence  of  running  on  a  rock, could  not  accom- 
pany me.  I,  however,  embarked  on  board  the  Alfred,  and  ta- 
king the  Providence  by  -way  of  consort,  I  set  sail,  and  on  the  2d 
of  November,  1776,  made  a  prize  of  a  vessel  from  Liverpool, 
and  soon  after  the  Mellish,  a  large  armed  vessel,  having  two 
British  naval  officers  on  board,  and  a  captain  belonging  to  the 
land  service,  with  a  company  of  soldiers.  This  ship  was  car- 
rying ten  thousand  complete  sets  of  uniform  to  Canada,  for  the 
army  posted  there  under  the  orders  of  generals  Carleton  and 
Burgoyne. 

The  Providence  having  now  left  the  Alfred  during  the  night 
without  the  least  pretext  whatever,  I  remained  alone,  and  that 
too  during  the  stormy  season,  on  the  enemy's  coast;  but  notwith- 
standing this,  and  that  I  was  also  greatly  embarrassed  with  my 
prisoners,  I  resolved  not  to  renounce  my  project.  I  accordingly 
effected  a  descent,  destroyed  a  transport  of  great  value,  and 
and  also  burned  the  magazines  and  buildings  destined  for  the 
whale  and  cod  fishery. 

In  addition  to  this,  I  took  three  transports,  and  a  vessel  laden 
with  ling  and  furs,  near  He  Royale;  these  prizes  were  escorted 
by  the  Flora  frigate,  which  happened  to  be  at  a  small  distance, 
hut  which  was  concealed  from  us  by  a  fog.     Having  taken  a 


•368  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

privateer  from  Liverpool,  mounting  sixteen  guns,  in  the  course 
of  next  day,  I  instantly  returned  with  my  prizes,  toward  the 
United  States;  but  when  in  the  latitude  of  Boston,  fell  in  with 
the  Milford  frigate,  which  I  unwillingly  engaged.  Toward 
night,  however,  I  placed  the  Alfred  between  the  enemy  and  my 
prizes,  and  having  given  the  necessary  instructions  to  the  latter, 
to  make  for  the  nearest  port,  I  changed  my  course,  set  up  lights, 
and  by  this  stratagem  saved  the  vessels  I  had  captured,  as  the 
frigate  continued  in  chase  of  me.  Next  day  I  myself  was  for- 
tunate enough  to  escape,  after  a  very  serious  action,  which  was 
not  terminated  until  dark,  and  even  then  in  consequence  of  a 
hard  gale  of  wind. 

Having  returned  to  Boston,  December  10,  1776,  the  intelli- 
gence of  the  uniforms  taken  on  board  the  Mcllish,  reanimated 
the  courage  of  the  army  under  Gen.  Washington,  which  at  that 
period  happened  to  be  almost  destitute  of  clothing.  Let  me 
add  also,  that  this  unexpected  succour  contributed  not  a  little 
to  the  success  of  the  affair  at  Trenton  against  the  Hessians, 
which  took  place  immediately  after  my  arrival. 

I  now  paid  out  of  my  own  purse  the  wage6  due  to  the  crews 
of  the  Alfred  and  the  Providence,  and  lent  the  rest  of  my  money 
to  the  congress.  That  assembly  transmitted  me  orders  from 
Philadelphia,  on  the  5th  of  February,  to  undertake  a  secret 
expedition  of  great  importance,  the  design  of  which  was,  to  lay 
the  Island  of  St.  Christopher,  and  the  north  side  of  Jamaica, 
under  contribution;  after  which  we  were  to  attack  Pensacola. 
The  project  was  first  conceived  by  me,  and  then  communicated 
to  Mr.  Morris,  afterward  minister  of  finance:  But  such  was 
the  jealousy  of  Hopkins,  the  commander-in-chief,  that  it  was 
never  carried  into  execution.  He  was,  however,  soon  after  sus- 
pended, and  then  dismissed  from  the  service. 

The  season  being  now  too  far  advanced  for  the  execution  of 
the  scheme  in  the  West  Indies,  myself  and  crew  received  orders 
to  remove  on  board  the  Amphytrite,  a  French  vessel  destined 
to  sail  from  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire  to  France,  whence  we 
were  to  pass  into  Holland  and  take  possession  of  the  Indi- 
emie,  a  large  frigate,  constructing  there  for  the  congress;  some 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  390 

difficulties  however  ensued,  and  1  was  ordered  to  prepare  the 
Ranger,  a  vessel  mounting  eighteen  guns. 

Whe.i  General  Burgoyne  and  his  army  were  obliged  to  sur- 
render at  Saratoga,  it  was  I  who  was  the  first  obliged  to  carry 
this  interesting  intelligence  to  Nantes,  whither  I  arrived  on  tie 
2d  of  December,  1777.  In  the  course  of  my  voyage,  I  took 
two  prizes,  forming  a  part  of  a  convoy  from  the  Mediterranean, 
under  the  protection  of  the  Invincible, a  seventy-four  gun  ship, 
under  the  guns  of  which  Oiie  of  them  was  taken. 

In  the  month  of  January,  17^8,  I  repaired  to  Paris,  to  make 
the  necessary  arrangements  with  the  American  ministers,  rela- 
tive to  the  equipment  of  the  Inditnnc;  but,  as  the  recent,  iniel- 
ligence  relative  to  the  capture  of  Burgoyne  had  determined 
the  court  of  France  to  recognise  the  independence  of  America 
by  means  of  a  treaty  of  alliance,  and  as  the  English  ambassa- 
dor at  the  Hague,  in  consequence  of  obtaining  possession  of  the 
papers  of  an  American  agent,  found  that  the  huliennc  was  the 
property  of  corgress,  I  acquiesced  in  the  opinion  of  the  Ame- 
rican ministers;  and  it  was  determined  to  cede  the  property  to 
his  most  Christian  majesty,  this  being  the  most  likely  method  of 
preserving  the  property. 

I  then  returned  on  board  the  Ranger,  and  as  I  had  received 
information  from  America,  relative  to  the  force  and  stations  of 
the  English  fleet  in  that  quarter,  I  immediately  transmitted  a 
letter  to  Mr.  Dearie,  one  of  the  American  ministers  at  Paris, 
communicating  a  plan  of  an  expedition  with  a  squadron  of  ten 
sail  of  the  line,  a  few  frigates,  end  a  small  body  of  land  forces, 
with  a  view  of  completely  destroying  the  enemy's  naval  power 
acting  against  the  United  States.  This  scheme  was  not  adopted 
until  it  was  too  late,  and  then  it  of  course  became  impracti- 
cable. 

In  the  mean  time  I  took  several  American  vessels  under  my 
convoy,  from  Nantes,  to  the  bay  of  Quiberon,  where  M.  La 
Motte  Piquet  was  lying  at  anchor,  with  six  sail  of  the  line,  a 
few  frigates,  and  several  merchantmen,  which  he  was  to  take 
under  his  protection  to  the  westward  of  Cape  Finisterre.  M. 
de  La  Fayette  was  on  board  this  fleet,  which  was  provided 
47 


370  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

with  clothing,  ammunition,  and  military  stores  for  America.  I 
reached  the  bay,  February  13,  1778,  and  sent  to  demand  of  the 
admiral,  if  he  xoould  return  my  salute;  and  this  compliment  waS 
immediately  agreed  to  by  that  brave  officer,  although  neither 
he  nor  I  knew  at  that  period,  that  a  treaty  of  alliance  had  been 
signed  between  France  and  America  seven  days  before.  This 
was  the  first  salute  received  by  the  American  flag  from  any 
power,  and  occasioned  much  dispute  in  the  English  parliaments 

I  now  set  sail  from  the  bay  of  Quiberon  to  Brest,  but  did  not 
enter  the  road ;  on  the  contrary,  I  anchored  at  Cammeret,  where 
I  was  detained  by  contrary  winds  until  the  French  ambassador 
at  the  court  of  St.  James,  had  announced  the  treaty  lately 
concluded  between  his  most  Christian  majesty  and  the  United 
States. 

On  this,  I  immediately  sailed  into  Brest  water,  and  saluted 
the  Count  D'Orvilliers,  who  returned  the  salute,  and  received 
me  with  all  the  honors  due  to  an  admiral,  on  board  his  flag-ship 
La  Bretagne. 

In  the  month  of  February,  1776,  the  parliament  of  England 
had  authorized  George  III.  to  treat  all  the  Americans  taken  at 
sea,  with  arms  in  their  hands,  as  traitors,  pirates,  and  felons: 
this,  more  than  any  other  circumstance,  rendered  me  the  de- 
clared enemy  of  Great  Britain.  From  the  very  commencement 
of  the  war,  an  exchange  of  prisoners  had  taken  place  between 
General  Washington  and  the  commanders  of  the  enemy's  army; 
notwithstanding  the  haughty  conduct  of  Great  Britain,  she  was 
obliged  to  submit  to  this  arrangement,  and  consider  the  Ameri- 
can soldiers,  as  prisoners  of  war.  It  was,  however,  an  atrocious 
crime  to  act  against  her  by  sea;  and  England,  on  this  occasion, 
perpetrated  anew,  all  the  cruelties  on  America  which  she  had 
lavished  on  Scotland  in  1745.  A  ferocious  and  vindictive  peo- 
ple would  have  rejoiced  to  have  seen  the  American  sailors  cut 
down  from  the  gibbet  while  yet  alive,  their  breast  opened  with 
a  knife,  and  their  yet  palpitating  hearts  thrown  into  the  flames! 
If  they  did  not  dare  to  attempt  this,  they,  however,  shut  up  a 
number  of  citizens  of  the  United  States  in  the  English  prisons 
during  five  whole  years,  where  they  suffered  all  the  horrori 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  3Vl 

proceeding  from  cold,  hunger,  and  every  sort  of  mal-treatment; 
Some  of  these  unfortunates  were  sold  on  the  coast  of  Africa, 
while  others,  were  transported  to  the  West  Indies.  The  firm*- 
ness  with  which  these  martyrs  of  liberty  supported  their  hard 
lot,  is  wholly  unexampled;  for  they  preferred  every  kind  of 
persecution  to  serving  on  board  the  English  navy. 

Indignant  at  the  barbarous  treatment  experienced  by  the 
Americans,  I  determined  to  make  a  grand  effort  in  their  behalf 
with  a  view  of  stopping  the  barbarous  proceedings  of  the 
English  in  Europe,  as  well  as  on  the  western  continent;  in  the 
latter  of  which  they  set  fire  to  their  houses,  destroyed  their 
property,  and  burned  and  destroyed  whole  towns.  I  accord- 
ingly determined,  by  way  of  retaliation,  to  effect  a  descent 
upon  some  part  of  England,  with  a  view  of  destroying  the 
shipping.  It  was  also  my  intention  to  make  some  person  of 
distinction  prisoner,  whom  I  resolved  to  detain  as  a  hostage  for 
the  security  of,  and  in  order  to  exchange  with,  the  American 
prisoners  in  England. 

Admiral  D'Orvilliers,  to  whom  1  communicated  this  project, 
offered  to  procure  for  me  a  captain's  commission  in  the  French 
marine,  that,  in  case  I  met  with  any  disaster,  I  might  claim  the 
protection  of  his  most  Christian  majesty;  but  however  advan- 
tageous this  was,  I  determined  to  decline  the  acceptance;  be- 
cause in  the  first  place,  I  was  not  authorized  by  congress  to 
change  my  flag;  and,  in  the  second,  such  a  conduct  might  have 
rendered  my  attachment  to  America  suspected. 

1  accordingly  sailed  from  Brest,  and  advanced  towards  Ireland^ 
neglecting  the  capture  of  a  number  of  vessels  within  my  reachr 
as  I  did  not  wish  to  diminish  the  strength  of  my  crew.  Near 
to  the  entrance  into  Carrickfergus,  1  however,  seized  on  a 
fishing-boat,  manned  with  six  persons,  who  proved  to  be  pilots. 
The  Drake,  a  twenty-gun  ship,  happened  to  be  then  on  the  road, 
and  even  within  sight;  I  imagined  it  possible  to  obtain  possession 
of  her  by  surprise  during  the  night.  With  this  view,  I  immedi- 
ately gave  orders  for  making  the  necessary  preparations;  but  the 
mate,  who  had  drank  too  much  brandy,  did  not  let  go  the  anchor 
according  to  orders,  waich  prevented  the  Ranger  from  running 


U72  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

fu>(h>{  the  Drake,  according  to  my  intentions.  As  I  had  reason 
to  believe,  that-  my  appearance  had  not  hitherto  given  any  alarm 
I  deemed  it  prudent  to  cu(  my  cable  and  return  into  St.  George's 
c  i  nel.  I  remained  there,  buffeted  about  by  the  winds,  during 
three  davs.  until  the  weather  having  become  more  favorable,  I 
de  .ermined  a  second  time  to  attempt  a  descent;  this  project,  how- 
ever, greatly  alarmed  my  lieutenants;  they  were  poor,  they  said, 
and  their  object  was  gain,  not  honor:  they  accordingly  excited 
di-obedience  among  the  ship's  company,  by  persuadi  g  them 
that  thev  had  a  right  to  determine,  whether  the  measures 
adopted  by  me  were  well  concerted  or  not. 

I  happened  to  be  at  this  period  within  sight  of  Whitehaven, 
in  Cumberland,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Solway  Frith.  This  is  a 
considerable  harbor,  in  which  there  then  were  about  400  sail, 
some  of  them  vessels  of  250  tons  burthen;  and  I  had  deter- 
mined to  take  advantage  of  the  ebb  tide,  when  the  shipping 
was  dry,  to  destroy  them.  To  effect  thi^-,  it  was  necessary  to 
land  about  midnight,  with  a  party  of  determined  men,  and  seize 
on  a  fort  and  battery,  which  defended  the  port.  My  two  lieu- 
tenants, being  averse  to  the  enterprise,  and  yet  being  unwilling 
to  discover  their  true  motives,  feigned  illness.  On  this  I  deter- 
mined to  take  the  command  in  person,  and  with  much  difficulty 
prevailed  on  thirty  volunteers  to  follow  me. 

With  this  handful  of  men,  and  two  small  boats,  I  quitted  the 
R;«  ger,  at  eleve  o'clock  at  night,  and  rowe  towards  the  har- 
bor; but,  it  being  farther  off  than  we  imagined,  and  the  tide 
against  us,  day  broke  before  we  had  effected  a  landing. 

I  now  sent  the  smallest  of  the  boats  towards  the  northern 
side  of  the  harbor  to  set  fire  to  the  vessels,  while  I  myself  ad- 
vanced with  the  other  to  the  south,  to  take  possession  of  the 
fort  and  battery,  the  first  of  which  was  taken  by  assault,  I  my- 
self being  the  first  to  enter  it  through  one  of  the  embrasures. 
We  then  nailed  up  the  thirty-six  cannon  mounted  on  the  batte- 
ries, and  advanced  towards  the  south,  with  a  view  of  burning 
all  the  vessels,  when  to  my  infinite  astonishment,  I  beheld  the 
other  boat  returning,  without  having  done  any  thing. 

On  this  I  deemed  it  best  to  unite  my  forces,  with  a  view  of 


*• 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  373 

effecting,  at  least,  some  part  of  our  enterprise.  In  short  we  set 
fire  to  some  of  the  vessels,  and  it  soon  burned  with  great  fierce- 
ness, and  began  to  communicate;  but  as  it  was  now  eight  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  and  the  inhabitants  began  to  approach  near  us 
in  crowds,  I  could  no  longer  defer  my  retreat,  which  was  made 
in  good  order.  On  my  return  on  board  the  Ranger,  the  wind 
being  favorable,  I  set  sail  for  the  coast  of  Scotland.  It  was  my 
intention  to  take  the  Earl  of  Selkirk  prisoner,  and  detain  his 
lordship  as  a  hostage,  in  conformity  to  the  project  already  men- 
tioned. It  was  with  this  view  about  noon  of  the  same  day  I 
landed  on  that  nobleman's  estate,  with  two  officers  and  a  few 
men.  In  the  course  of  my  progress,  I  fell  in  with  some  of  the* 
inhabitants,  who,  taking  me  for  an  Englishman,  observed,  that 
Lord  Selkirk  was  then  in  London,  but  that  her  ladyship  and 
several  other  ladies  were  at  the  castle. 

On  this,  I  determined  to  return:  but  such  moderate  conduct 
Was  not  conformabh  to  the  wishes  of  my  people,  who  were  dis- 
posed to  pillage,  burn,  and  destroy  everv  thing  in  imitation  of 
the  conduct  of  the  English  towards  the  Americans.  Although 
I  was  not  disposed  to  copy  such  horrid  proceedings,  more  espe- 
cially when  a  lady  was  in  question,  it  was  vet  necessary  to  recur 
to  such  means  as  should  satisfy  their  cupidity,  and  at  the  same 
time,  provide  for  Lady  Selkirk's  safety.  It  immediately  ap- 
peared to  me,  to  be  the  most  proper  mode  to  give  orders  to  the 
two  officers  to  repair  to  the  castle  with  the  men,  who  were  to 
remain  on  the  outside  under  arms,  while  they  themselves  entered 
alone.  They  were  then  instructed  <o  enter,  and  demand  the 
family  plate,  in  a  polite  manner,  accepting  whatever  was  offered 
them,  and  then  to  return,  without  making  any  further  inquiries, 
or  attempting  to  search  for  more. 

I  was  punctually  obeyed;  the  plate  was  delivered:  Lady  Sel- 
kirk herself  observed  to  the  officers,  that  she  was  exceedingly 
sensible  of  my  moderation;  she  even  intimated  a  wish  to  repair 
to  the  shore, although  a  mile  distant  from  her  residence,  in  order 
to  invite  me  to  dinner;  but  the  officers  would  not  allow  her  la- 
dyship to  take  so  much  trouble. 

Next  day,  April  4, 1 778, 1  prepared  to  return  to  Carrickfergus, 


374  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

to  attack  the  Drake  in  open  day;  but  the  lieutenants  were 
averse  to  the  project,  and  the  crew  of  the  Ranger  became  so 
mutinous,  that  I  ran  no  small  risk  of  being  either  killed  or 
thrown  into  the  sea;  and  but  two  days  before,  I  was  on  the 
point  of  being  abandoned  and  left  ashore  at  Whitehaven. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  captain  of  the  Drake  sloop  of  war, 
having  been  informed  of  our  descent  upon  Whitehaven,  pre- 
pared to  attack  us;  and,  while  every  thing  was  getting  ready, 
he  despatched  an  officer  on  board  his  boat,  with  a  spy-glass,  in 
order  to  reconnoitre  the  Ranger.  On  this,  I  immediately  masked 
my  guns,  kept  my  men  out  of  sight,  and  disguised  the  vessel  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  resemble  a  merchantman;  in  consequence 
of  this  the  crew  of  the  boat  were  deceived  and  taken.  This 
trifling  success  produced  the  effect  of  enchantment  on  my  sail- 
ors, who  were  no  longer  averse  to  giving  her  battle. 

The  Drake  having  fired  some  cannon  to  recal  her  boat,  hoisted 
her  anchor,  and  came  out  attended  by  a  number  of  yachts  and 
pleasure-boats,  with  ladies  and  gentlemen  on  board:  but  when 
the  engagement  became  serious,  they  thought  proper  to  with- 
draw to  a  respectful  distance. 

No  sooner  did  the  enemy  make  his  appearance,  than  /  lay  to, 
determined  not  to  engage  until  she  came  within  pistol  shot. 
The  engagement  was  accordingly  sustained  with  great  vivacity 
on  both  sides,  during  an  hour  and  five  minutes,  when  the  cap- 
tain and  lieutenant  being  both  mortally  wounded,  the  English 
flag  was  lowered,  and  I  took  possession  of  her.  I  regretted 
greatly  the  death  of  these  brave  men,  and  committed  them  to 
the  ocean  with  all  the  honors  due  to  their  valor.  I,  at  the  same 
time,  dismissed  the  six  fisherman,  whom  I  have  before  mentioned, 
whose  loss  I  repaired,  and  whose  services  I  recompensed  out  of 
my  own  purse. 

The  Drake  was  greatly  damaged  in  her  masts  and  tackling* 
a»d  lost  forty  men  either  killed  or  wounded  during  the  action. 
I  had  also  taken  several  other  prizes;  but,  as  my  complement 
of  men  had  only  amounted  to  one  hundred  and  twenty-three, 
I  retained  no  more  than  two  of  them,  which  arrived  in  safety 
at  Brest,  where  I  myself  anchored  with  the  Ranger  and  Drake. 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  375 

on  the  7th  of  May,  after  an  absence  of  twenty-eight  days,  du- 
ring which  I  had  taken  upwards  of  two  hundred  prisoners. 
This  expedition  was  of  great  disservice  to  Great  Britain,  as  she 
was  not  only  obliged  to  fortify  her  ports,  but  also  to  permit  the 
arming  of  the  Irish  volunteers,  as  Lord  Mountmorris  demon* 
strated  in  a  speech  in  parliament. 

At  the  time  I  had  been  obliged  to  permit  my  people  to  take 
Lady  Selkirk's  plate,  I  determined  to  redeem  it  out  of  my  own 
funds  the  moment  it  should  be  sold,  and  restore  it  to  the  family. 
Accordingly  on  my  arrival  at  Brest,  I  instantly  despatched  a  most 
pathetic  letter  to  her  ladyship,  in  which  I  detailed  the  motives  of 
my  expedition,  and  the  cruel  necessity  I  was  under,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  conduct  of  the  English  in  America,  to  inflict  the 
punishment  of  retaliation.  This  was  sent  open  to  the  post- 
master-general, that  it  might  be  shewn  to  the  king  of  England 
and  his  ministers,  and  the  court  of  St.  James  was  at  length 
obliged  to  renounce  the  sanguinary  act  of  its  parliament,  and 
exchange  those  very  Americans  whom  they  called  traitors,  pi- 
rates  and  felons,  against  the  prisoners  of  war,  whom  I  had  taken 
and  carried  to  France. 

"Ranger,  Brest,  8th  May,  1778. 

"Madam — It  cannot  be  too  much  lamented,  that  in  the  pro- 
fession of  arms,  the  officer  of  finer  feeling,  and  of  real  sensi- 
bility, should  be  under  the  necessity  of  winking  at  any  action 
of  persons  under  his  command,  which  his  heart  cannot  approve; 
but  the  reflection  is  doubly  severe,  when  he  finds  himself  obli- 
ged, in  appearance,  to  countenance  such  action  by  authority. 

This  hard  case  was  mine,  when,  on  the  23d  of  April  last,  I 
landed  on  St.  Mary's  Isle.  Knowing  Lord  Selkirk's  interest 
with  his  king,  I  wished  to  make  him  the  happy  instrument  of 
alleviating  the  horrors  of  hopeless  captivity,  when  the  brave 
are  overpowered  and  made  prisoners  of  war.  It  was  perhaps 
Fortunate  for  you  madam,  that  he  was  from  home,  for  it  was  my 
intention  to  have  taken  him  on  board  the  Ranger,  and  to  have 
detained  him,  until,  through  his  means,  a  general  and  fair  ex- 
change of  prisoners,  as  well  in  Europe  as  in  America,  had  been 
effected. 


376  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

"  When  I  was  informed,  by  some  mon  whom  I  met  at  landing, 
that  his  lordship  was  absent,  I  walked  back  to  my  boat,  deter- 
mined to  leave  the  island.  By  the  way,  however,  some  officers 
who  were  with  me,  could  not  forbear  expressing  their  discon- 
tent, observing,  that  in  America  no  delicacy  was  shown  by  the 
English,  who  took  away  all  sorts  of  moveable  property,  setting 
fire  not  only  to  towns,  aid  to  the  houses  of  the  rich,  without  dis- 
tinction, but  not  even  sparing  the  wretched  hamlets  and  milk- 
cows  of  the  poor  and  helpless,  at  the  approach  of  an  inclement 
winter.  That  party  had  been  with  me  as  volunteers  the  same 
morningat  Whitehaven;  some  complaisance,  therefore,  was  their 
due.  I  had  but  a  moment  to  think  how  I  might  gratify  them, 
and  at  the  same  time,  do  your  ladyship  the  least  injun.  1 
charged  the  two  officers  to  permit  none  of  the  seamen  to  enter 
the  house,  or  to  hurt  any  thing  about  it;  to  treat  you,  madam, 
wi Lh  the  utmost  respect;  to  accept  of  the  plate  which  was  of- 
fered; and  to  come  away  without  making  a  search,  or  demand- 
ing any  thing  else.  I  am  induced  to  believe  that  I  was  punc- 
tually obeyed,  since  I  am  informed  that  the  plate  which  they 
brought  away  is  far  short  of  the  quantity  which  is  expressed  in 
the  inventory  which  accompanied  it.  I  have  gratified  my  men, 
and  when  the  plate  is  sold  I^shall  become  the  purchaser,  and 
will  graify  my  own  feelings,  by  restoring  it  to  you  by  such  con- 
veyance as  you  shall  please  to  direct. 

"Had  the  earl  been  on  board  the  following  evening,  he  would 
have  -«en  the  awful  pomp  and  dreadful  carnage  of  a  sea  en- 
gagement; both  aifording  ample  subject  for  the  pencil,  as  well 
as  melancholy  reflection  for  the  contemplative  mind.  Human- 
ity starts  back  at  such  scenes  of  horror,  and  cannot  but  execrate 
the  vile  promoters  of  this  detested  war: — 

For  they,  'twas  they,  unsheathed  the  ruthless  blade, 
And  Heaven  shall  ask  the  havoc  it  has  made. 

*  The  British  ship  of  war  Drake,  mounting  twenty  guns,  with 
more  than  her  full  complement  of  officers  and  men,  besides  a 
number  of  volunteers,  came  out  from  Carrickfergus,  in  order 
to  attack  and  take  the  continental  ship  of  war  Ranger,  of 
eighteen  guns,  and  short  of  her  complement  of  officers  and 


JOHN  PAUL  JONE&.  377 

men;  the  ships  met, and  the  advantage  was  disputed  with  great 
fortitude  on  each  side  for  an  hour  and  five  minutes,  when  the 
gallant  commander  of  the  Drake  fell,  and  victor}'  declared  in 
favor  of  the  Ranger.  His  amiable  lieutenant  lay  mortally 
wounded,  besides  near  forty  of  the  inferior  officers  and  crew 
killed  and  wounded.  A  melancholy  demonstration  of  the  un- 
certainty of  human  prospects.  I  buried  them  in  a  spacious 
grave,  with  the  honors  due  to  the  memory  of  the  brave. 

"Though  I  have  drawn  my  sword  in  the  present  generous 
struggle  for  the  rights  of  man,  yet  I  am  in  arms  merely  as  an 
American,  nor  am  I  in  pursuit  of  riches.  My  fortune  isJiberal 
enough,  having  no  wife  nor  famih ,  and  having  lived  long  enough 
to  know  that  riches  cannot  ensure  happiness.  I  profess  myself  a 
citizen  of  the  world,  totally  unfettered  by  the  little  mean  distinc- 
tions of  climate  or  of  country,  which  diminish  the  oenevolence 
of  the  heart,  and  set  bounds  to  philanthropy.  Before  this  war 
began,  I  had,  at  an  early  time  of  life,  withdrawn  from  the  sea- 
service,  in  favor  of  4calm  contemplation  and  poetic  ease.'  I 
have  sacrificed,  not  only  my  favorite  scheme  of  life,  but  the 
softer  affections  of  the  heart,  and  my  prospects  of  domestic  hap- 
piness, and  I  am  ready  to  sacrifice  my  life,  also,  with  cheerful- 
ness, if  that  forfeiture  would  restore  peace  and  good  will  among 
mankind. 

"  As  the  feelings  of  your  gentle  bosom  cannot,  in  that  respect, 
but  be  congenial  with  mine,  let  me  entreat  you,  madam,  to  use 
your  soft  persuasive  arts  with  your  husband,  to  endeavor  to  stop 
this  cruel  and  destructive  war,  in  which  Britain  never  can  suc- 
ceed. Heaven  can  never  countenance  the  barbarous  and  un- 
manly practices  of  the  Britons  in  America,  which  savages  would 
blush  at,  and  which,  if  not  discontinued,  will  soon  be  retal- 
iated m  Britain  by  a  justly  enraged  people.  Saould  you  fail 
in  this,  (for  I  am  persuaded  you  will  attempt  it — and  who  can 
resist  the  power  of  such  an  advocate?)  your  endeavors  to  effect 
a  general  exchange  of  prisoners  will  be  an  act  of  humanity, 
which  will  afford  you  golden  feelings  on  a  death-bed. 

I  hope  this  cruel  contest  will  soon  be  closed;  but  should  it 
continue,  I  wage  no  war  with  the  fair!  I  acknowledge  their 

48 


» 


378  JOHN  PAUL  JONtfS. 

power,  and  bend  before  it  with  profound  submission!  Let  not, 
therefore,  the  amiable  Countess  of  Selkirk  regard  me  as  an  en- 
emy; I  am  ambitious  of  her  esteem  and  friendship,  and  would 
do  any  thing,  consistent  with  my  duty,  to  merit  it. 

"The  honor  of  a  line  from  your  hand,  in  answer  to  this,  will 
lay  me  under  a  very  singular  obligation;  and  if  I  can  render 
you  any  acceptable  service,  in  France  or  elsewhere,  I  hope  you 
see  into  my  character  so  far  as  to  command  me  without  the  least 
grain  of  service.  I  wish  to  know,  exactly,  the  behaviour  of  my 
people, as  I  am  determined  to  punish  them  if  they  have  exceeded, 
their  liberty. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  much  esteem  and  profound  re- 
spect, madam,  your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

"PAUL  JONES. 

"  To  the  Right  Hon.  the  Countess  of) 
Selkirk,  St.  Mary's  Isle,  Scotland.  } 

During  the  course  of  the  war,  I  found  it  impossible  to  restore 
jtbe  plate  belonging  to  the  Selkirk  family;  I,  however,  purchased 
it  at  a  great  price,  and  at  length  found  means  to  send  it  by  land 
from  FOrient  to  Calais,  by  means  of  M.  de  Calonne,  who  trans- 
mitted me  a  very  flattering  letter  on  the  occasion;  in  short, I  at 
length  received  a  very  flattering  letter  from  the  Earl  of  Selkirk, 
acknowledging  the  receipt  of  it. 

1  had  no  sooner  arrived  at  Brest,  than  Admiral  the  Count 
D'Orvilliers  transmitted  an  account  of  my  expedition  to  the 
minister  of  the  marine,  in  consequence  of  which  it  was  intima- 
ted to  Dr.  Franklin,  that  his  majesty  was  desirous  that  I  should 
repair  to  Versailles,  as  he  was  resolved  to  employ  me  on  a  se* 
cret  expedition,  for  which  purpose  he  would  give  me  the  Indi- 
cnne,  with  some  other  frigates,  with  troops,  &c.  for  the  purpose 
of  effecting  a  descent.  I  was  instantly  informed  of  this*  by  the 
ambassador,  who  observed  to  me  at  the  same  time,  that  this  must 
be  considered  as  a  profound  secret,  it  being  of  so  important  a 
nature,  that  it  had  been  deemed  proper  to  withhold  a  commu- 
nication of  it  even  to  his  colleagues. 

M.  de  Sartine  received  me  with  the  most  distinguished  polite- 
ness, making  me,  at  the  same  time,  the  most  flattering  promises.; 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  379 

and  the  Prince  de  Nassau  was  sent  into  Holland  to  give  instruc- 
tions ibr  the  necessary  arrangements  for  arming  and  equipping 
the  frigate 'intended  for  me.  But,  in  a  short  time  after  this, 
hostilities  took  place  between  France  and  England  in  conse- 
quence of  the  action  with  La  Belle,  Poule.  This  not  a  little 
embarrassed  the  Minister  of  the  Marine,  and  the  difficult}'  was 
not  diminished  by  the  intelligence  brought  by  the  prince,  who 
asserted  that  the  Dutch  would  not  permit  the  Indienne  to  be 
equipped. 

As  M.  de  Sartine  had  written  to  the  three  American  minis- 
ters, and  obtained  their  consent  for  my  remaining  in  Europe,  I 
offered  to  serve  on  board  of  the  grand  fleet;  I  also  communi- 
cated several  plans  for  crippling  the  power  of  England,  such  as 
that  of  destroying  her  trade  and  settlements  on  the  coast  of 
Africa,  and  in  Hudson's  Bay;  of  annihilating  their  fisheries  in 
Newfoundland;  intercepting  their  East  and  West  India,  and, 
above  all,  the  Baltic  fleet,  which  was  escorted  by  a  single  fri- 
gate, as  I  learned  by  certain  information  from  England*  The 
minister  adopted  the  last  of  these  plans;  and  I  accordingly  re- 
paired to  Brest,  to  take  the  command  of  one  of  the  frigates  of 
that  port,  with  two  others,  and  a  cutter,  &c.  then  at  St.Maloes; 
but  I  found  on  my  arrival,  ihat  the  admiral  had  appointed  a 
French  officer  to  the  vessel  in  question;  and  as  there  was  not  a 
single  moment  to  be  lost,  the  senior  officer  of  the  frigate  at  St. 
Maloes  was  despatched  against  the  Baltic  fleet,  which  he  missed 
by  not  steering  sufficiently  near  to  the  coast  of  England  to  in- 
tercept it. 

Being  greatly  disgusted  with  a  series  of  delays,  that  ensued 
during  nine  months,  I  at  length  repaired  to  Versailles,  with  an 
intention  of  returning  to  America,  if  I  should  not  immediately 
obtain  a  command:  for  1  recollected  the  saying  of  Old  Richard, 
*  If  you  wish  that  your  aiFairs  should  be  prosperous,  superintend 
them  in  person.'  &c.  This  induced  me  to  promise,  that  if  the 
minister  should  at  length  comply  with  my  request,  I  should  call 
my  own  ship,  'Old  Richard.' 

Accordingly,  on  obtaining  he  Duras,  until  a  better  vessel 
could  be  procured,  I  called  her  — — — .     She  was  a  very 


380  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

small  and  very  old  and  infirm  vessel,  that  had  made  four  voya- 
ges to  the  East  Indies.  As  proper  guns  could  not  he  procured 
at  L'Oiient,  where,  the lay,  I  repaired  first  to  Bor- 
deaux, and  then  to  Angouleme,  where  I  made  a  contract  for 
sueh  as  I  wanted.  On  my  return,  I  found  that  the  Marquis  de 
la  Fayette,  who  had  returned  from  America,  was  desirous  to 
join  me  in  the  expedition,  it  being  intended  that  he  should  com- 
mand a  body  of  land  forces,  he  having  obtained  the  king's  com- 
mand for  that  purpose. 

While  the  necessary  arrangements  were  making  at  court,  a 
naval  commissary  purchased  at  Nantes,  a  merchantman,  called 
La  Pallas,  of  thirty-two  eight  pounders,  and  a  brig  called  La 
Vengeance,  of  twelve  three  pounders;  but  neither  of  them  was 
calculated  for  war:  to  these  was  added  Le  Cerf,  a  very  fine  cut- 
ter belonging  to  the  royal  navy, carrying  eighteen  nine  pounders; 
with  the  Alliance,  a  new  frigate,  belonging  to  the  United  States: 
but  as  the  guns  had  not  as  yet  arrived  from  Angouleme,  The 
Good  Man  Richard  was  armed  from  an  old  battery  of  twelve 
pounders;  and  as  the  expedition  was  intended  against  the  ene- 
my's ports,  I  mounted  six  old  eighteen  pounders  in  the  gun  room, 
so  that  she  might  in  some  measure  be  called  a  forty  gun  ship. 
As  it  was  found  impossible  to  procure  a  sufficient  number  of 
American  sailors,  1  determined  to  supply  the  deficiency  by  en- 
rolling English  ones,  who  happened  to  be  prisoners  of  war  in 
France;  and  in  addition  to  these, a  certain  number  of  peasants 
was  levied ;  so  that  we  may  be  said  to  have  had  as  bad  a  crew 
as  was  ever  shipped  on  boavd  any  vessel.     I  was  given  to  un 
derstand,  however,  that  the  chosen  body  of  troops,  undei  the  com- 
mand of  the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette,  would  serve  as  a  guarantee 
for  their  good  conduct;  but  no  sooner  was  the  little  squadron 
ready,  than  I  received  a  letter  from  the  Marquis,  intimating 
that,  the  object  of  the  expedition  having  been  divulged  at  Pa- 
ris, the  king  had  issued  orders  to  prevent  the  embarkation  of 
the  troops,  in  consequence  of  which  he  had  joined  his  regiment. 
Thus  the  project,  which  was  no  less  than  that  of  putting  Liv- 
erpool, the  second  town  in  England,  under  contribution,  failed, 
in  consequence  of  having  been  indiscreetly  communicated  to 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  381 

I  ought  also  to  remark,  that,  according  to  the  first  arrange- 
ment,  my  little  squadron  was  to  have  been  joined  by  two  fire 
ships,  and  five  hundred  men  of  Walsh's  Irish  regiment;  but  the 
minister  did  not  keep  nis  word;  for  he  neither  procured  forme 
the  fire-ships  nor  the  soldiers;  so  that  it  became  impossible  for 
me  to  fulfil  the  plan  I  had  concerted,  although  it  was  still  more 
important  than  that  of  seizing  on  Liverpool. 

I  now  received  orders  to  escort  a  fleet  of  transports  and  mer- 
chantmen from  L'Orient,  destined  for  different  ports  between 
that  and  Bordeaux;  and  after  that  I  was  to  chase  away  the 
English  cruizers  from  the  Bay  of  Biscay,  and  then  to  return  for 
further  orders. 

After  executing  this  commission,^  my  representing  how  ne- 
cessary it  was  to  make  a  diversion  in  favor  of  the  Count  D'Or- 
villiers,  then  cruizing  in  the  Channel,  with  sixty-six  ships  of  the 
line,  I  received  a  carte  blanche  during  six  weeks,  without  any 
other  restriction  than  that  of  repairing  to  the  Texel,  by  the 
first  of  October.  By  this  time,  I  received  intimation  from  Eng- 
land*, that  eight  East  Indiamen  were  soon  expected  on  the  coast 
of  Ireland,  near  to  Limerick.  This  was  an  object  of  great  at- 
tention; and  as  there  were  two  privateers  at  Port  L'Orient, 
ready  for  sea,  Le  Monsieur,  of  forty  guns,  and  he  Granville,  of 
fourteen,  the  captains  of  which  offered  to  place  themselves  un- 
der my  orders,  I  accepted  the  proposition.  But  the  French 
commissary,  who  superintended  the  naval  department,  acted 
with  great  impropriety  on  this,  as  well  as  on  many  former 
occasions. 

The  little  squadron  at  length  set  sail  from  the  road  of  Groays, 
on  the  14th  of  August,  1779;  but  we  had  no  sooner  proceeded 
to  the  north  of  the  mouth  of  the  Channel,  than  Lr  Monsieur  and 
Le  Granville  abandoned  me  during  the  night,  and  Le  Cerf  soon 
after  imitated  their  conduct.  I  was  extremely  anxious  to  cruize 
for  a  fortnight  in  the  latitude  of  Limerick;  but  the  captain  of  the 
Alliance,  after  objecting  to  this,  also  left  me  during  the  nigat; 
and  as  I  had  now  with  me  only  the  Pallas  and  the  Vengeance, 
I  was  obliged  to  renounce  my  original  intentions. 

I  took  two  prizes  on  the  coast  of  Ireland;  and,  within  sight 


36«  JOHN  PAUL  JONB& 

of  Scotland,  came  up  and  seized  two  privateers,  of  twenty-two 
guns  eac.i,  which,  with  a  brigantine,  I  sent  to  Bergen,  in  Nor- 
way, according  to  the  orders  1  had  received  from  Dr.  Franklin: 
these  prizes,  however,  were  restored  to  the  English  by  the  king 
cf  Denmark. 

When  I  entered  the  North  Sea,  I  captured  several  vessels, 
and  learned  by  my  prisoners,  as  well  as  by  the  newspapers,  that 
the  capital  of  Scotland  and  the  port  of  Leith  were  left  totally 
defenceless.  I  also  understood,  at  the  same  time,  that  my  infor- 
mation relative  to  the  eight  Indiamen  was  correct;  they  having 
entered  Limerick  three  days  after  I  had  been  obliged  to  leave. 
the  neighborhood  of  that  port. 

As  there  was  only  a  tw^ity  gun  ship  and  two  cutters  in  Leith 
Road,  I  deemed  it  practicable  to  lay  those  two  places  under  con- 
tribution. I  had  indeed  no  other  force  to  execute  this  project 
than  the  Richard,  the  Pallas,  and  the  Vengeance;  but  I  well 
knew,  that  in  order  to  perform  a  brilliant  action,  it  is  not  al- 
ways necessary  to  possess  great  means.  I  therefore  held  out 
the  prospect  of  great  booty  to  the  captains  under  my  command; 
and,  as  to  myself,  I  was  satisfied  with  the  idea  of  making  a  di- 
version in  iavor  of  the  Count  D'Orvilliers,  who  was  then  in  the 
Channel. 

I  now  distributed  red  clothes  to  my  men,  and  put  some  of 
them  on  board  the  prizes,  so  as  to  give  them  the  appearance  of 
transports  full  of  troops.  All  the  necessary  arrangements  were 
also  taken  to  carry  the  enterprise  into  execution;  but,  about  a 
quarter  of  an  hour  before  the  descent  was  to  have  been  made^ 
a  sudden  tempest  arose,  and  drove  me  out  of  the  Forth,  or  Edin- 
burgh Frith,  and  so  violent  was  the  storm,  that  one  of  my  prizes 
was  lost. 

This  did  not,  however,  deter  me,  notwithstanding  the  small- 
ness  of  my  forces,  from  forming  different  enterprises  of  a  simi- 
lar nature:  but  I  could  not  induce  the  captains  of  the  Pallas 
and  Vengeance  to  second  my  views ;  I  was  therefore  obliged  to 
content  myself  by  spreading  alarm  on  the  coast,  and  destroying 
the  shipping,  which  I  did  as  far  as  Hull. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-third  of  September,  while  I 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  386 

■was  cruizing  in  the  latitude  of  Flamborough  Head,  which  I  had 
appointed  as  a  place  of  rendezvous  for  my  little  squadron,  and 
where  I  hoped  to  be  rejoined  by  the  Alliance  and  Le  Cerf?  and 
also  to  fall  in  with  the  Baltic  fleet;  this  convoy  accordingly  ap- 
peared, at  a  time  when  I  had  been  abandoned  by  several  of  my 
consorts,  had  lost  two  boats,  with  their  crews,  who  had  run  away 
on  the  coast  of  Ireland,  and  when  a  third,  with  eigteen  men  on 
board,  was  in  chase  of  a  merchantman  to  the  windward,  leaving 
me  with  a  scanty  crew,  and  only  a  single  lieutenant  and  some 
inferior  officers  on  board. 

It  was  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  that  the  Baltic  fleet 
appeared  in  view;  I  then  happened  to  have  the  wind  of  it,  and 
was  about  two  leagues  distant  from  the  coast  of  England.  I 
learned  from  my  prisoners  that  the  convoy  was  escorted  by  the 
Serapis,  a  new  vessel,  that  could  mount  fifty-six  guns,  but  then 
carried  only  forty-four,  on  two  decks,  the  lower  battery  carry- 
ing eighteen  pounders,  and  the  Countess  of  Scarborough,  a  new 
twenty-two  gun  ship. 

We  were  no  sooner  descried,  than  the  armed  vessels  stood  out 
to  sea,  while  the  trade  took  refuge  under  the  cannon  of  Scar* 
borough  castle. 

As  there  was  but  little  wind,  I  could  not  come  up  with  the 
enemy  before  night.  The  moon  did  not  rise  until  eight,  and  at 
the  close  of  the  day  the  Serapis  and  Countess  of  Scarborough 
tacked  and  stood  in  for  the  fortress.  I  was  lucky  enough  to 
•discover  this  manoeuvre  by  means  of  my  night  glass,  without 
which  I  should  have  remained  in  ignorance  of  it.  On  this  I 
immediately  altered  my  course  six  points,  with  a  view  of  cut- 
ting off  the  enemy;  which  was  no  sooner  perceived  by  the 
Pallas,  than  it  was  supposed  my  crew  had  mutinied,  which 
induced  her  captain  to  haul  his  wind  and  stand  out  to  sea,  while 
the  Alliance  lay  Jo,  to  windward,  at  a  considerable  distance;  and 
as  the  captain  of  this  vessel  had  never  paid  any  attention  what- 
ever to  the  signals  of  the  Richard  since  her  leaving  France,  I 
was  obliged  to  run  all  risks,. and  enter  into  an  action  with  the 
Richard  only,  to  prevent  the  enemy's  escape. 

I  accordingly  began  the  engagement  at  7  o'clock  at  night. 


384  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

within  pistol  shot  of  the  Serapis,  and  sustained  the  brunt  of  it 
for  nearly  a  whole  hour  at  that  distance,  exposed,  not  only  to 
her  fire,  but  also  (o  that  of  the  Countess  of  Scarborough,  which 
raked  the  Richard,  by  means  of  the  broadsides  she  fired  into  her 
stern. 

It  ought  to  be  here  remarked,  that  the  Richard,  properly 
speaking,  was  only  a  thirty-four  gun  frigate,  carrying  only 
twelve  pounders;  but  six  eighteen  pounders  had  been  placed 
in  the  gun  room,  in  case  of  being  obliged  to  recur  to  a  cannon- 
ade in  an  enemy's  harbor.  The  sea  being  very  calm  during  the 
engagement,  1  hoped  to  be  able  to  derive  great  advantage  from 
this  circumstance ;  but  instead  of  this,  they  burst  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  action,  and  the  officers  and  men  posted  at 
this  service,  and  who  were  selected  as  the  best  of  the  whole 
crew,  were  either  killed,  wounded,  or  affrighted  to  such  a  de- 
gree, that  none  of  them  were  of  any  service  during  the  rest  of 
the  engagement. 

In  this  unfortunate  extremity,  having  to  contend  with  three 
times  my  own  strength,  the  Richard  being"  in  imminent  danger 
of  going  to  the  bottom,  and  her  guns  being  no  longer  in  a  con- 
dition to  return,  the  enemy's  fire,  I  had  recourse  to  a  dangerous 
expedient,  to  grapple  with  the  Serapis,  in  order,  on  the  one 
hand,  to  render  her  superiority  useless,  and,  on  the  other,  to 
cover  ourselves  from  the  fire  of  her  consort.  This  manoeuvre 
succeeded  most  admirably,  and  I  fastened  the  Serapis,  with  my 
own  hands,  to  the  Richard.  On  this,  the  captain  of  the  Coun-. 
tess  of  Scarborough,  who  was  a  natural  son  of  the  Duke  of 
Northumberland,  conducted  himself  like  a  man  of  sense,  and 
from  that  moment  ceased  to  fire  upon  us,  well  knowing  that  he 
must  at  the  same  time  damage  the  Serapis. 

That  vessel  being  to  windward  at  the  moment  we  had  grap- 
pled, instantly  dropped  her  anchor,  hoping  by  this  to  disengage 
herself  from  us;  but  this  did  not  answer  her  expectations,  and 
the  engagement  from  that  moment  consisted  of  the  discharge  of 
great  guns,  swivels,  musquetry,  and  grenades.  The  English  at 
first  testified  a  desire  to  board  the  Richard,  but  they  no  sooner 
saw  the  danger  than  they  desisied.      The  enemy,  however, 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  385 

possessed  the  advantage  of  their  two  batteries,  besides  the  guns 
on  the  forecastle  and  quarter-deck,  while  our  cannon  was  either 
burst  or  abandoned,  except  four  pieces  on  the  forecastle,  wtiich 
were  also  relinquished  during  some  minute*.  Mr.  Mease,  the 
officer  who  commanded  these  guns,  had  been  dangerously 
wounded  on  the  head,  and  having,  at  that  period,  no  greater 
object  to  occupy  my  attention,  I  myself  took  his  post.  A  few 
sailors  came  to  my  assistance  of  their  own  accord,  and  served 
the  two  guns  next  to  the  enemy  with  surprising  courage  and 
address.  A  short  time  after  this.  I  received  sufficient  assistance 
to  be  able  to  remove  one  of  the  forecastle  guns  from  the  oppo- 
site side ;  but  we  had  not  strength  sufficient  to  remove  the  other, 
so  that  we  could  only  bring  three  guns  to  bear  upon  the  enemy 
during  the  remainder  of  the  action. 

The  moon,  which,  as  I  have  already  observed,  rose  at  eight, 
beheld  the  two  vessels  surrounded  by  flame,  in  consequence  of 
the  explosion  of  the  cannon.  It  so  happened  at  this  period,  that 
the  mainmast  of  the  Serapis,  which  was  painted  yellow,  ap- 
peared extremely  distinct,  so  as  to  form  an  excellent  mark;  on 
this  I  pointed  one  of  my  guns  at  it  taking  care  to  ram  home  the 
shot.      In  the  mean  time  the  two  other  pieces  were  admirably 

served  against  the and  swept  its  forecastle  by  means 

of  an  oblique  fire.  The  tops  also  seconded  us  bravely,  by  mean* 
of  musketry  and  swivels,  and  also  threw  a  multitude  of  grenades 
so  as  greatly  to  annoy  the  enemy.  By  these  means  they  were 
driven  from  their  quarters,  notwithstanding  their  superiority  in 
point  of  men  and  artillery. 

The  captain  of  the  Serapis,  after  consulting  with  his  officers, 
resolved  to  strike;  but  an  unlucky  accident  which  occurred  on 
board  the  Richard,  prevented  this:  a  bullet  having  destroyed 
•one  of  our  pumps,  the  carpenter  was  seized  with  a  panic,  and 
told  the  gunner  and  another  petty  officer,  that  we  were  sinking. 
Some  one  observed  at  the  same  time,  that  both  I  and  the  lieu- 
tenant were  killed;  in  consequence  of  which,  the  gunner,  con- 
sidering himself  as  commanding  officer,  ran  instantly  to  the 
quarter-deck,  in  order  to  haul  down  the  American  colors,  which 
he  would  have  actually  hauled  down,  had  not  the  flag-stalf 
49 


380  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

been  carried  away  at  the  time  the  Richard  grappled  with  the 
Sera  pis. 

The  captain,  on  hearing  the  gunner  express  his  wishes  to 
■surrender,  in  consequence  of  his  supposing  that  we  were  sink- 
ing, instantly  addressed  himself  to  me,  and  exclaimed,  "  Do 
you  ask  for  quarter? — Do  you  ask  for  quarter?"  I  was  so  oc- 
cupied, at  this  period,  in  serving  the  three  pieces  of  cannon  on 
the  forecastle,  that  I  remained  totally  ignorant  of  what  had  oc- 
curred on  deck;  1  replied,  however,  "  1  do  not  dream  of  surren- 
dering, but  I  am  determined  to  make  you  strike!" 

The  English  commander,  however,  conceived  some  faint 
hopes,  in  consequence  of  what  had  been  said,  that  the  Richard 
was  actually  sinking;  but  when  he  perceived  that  her  fire  did 
not  diminish,  he  immediately  ordered  his  men  from  the  fore- 
castle, where  they  were  too  much  exposed,  and  stationed  them 
below,  where  they  kept  up  such  a  tremendous  discharge  against 
the  Richard,  that  it  at  once  indicated  vengeance  and  despair. 

It  has  already  been  observed,  that  when  I  commenced  the 
action,  the  Pallas  was  at  a  great  distance  to  windward,  while 
the  Alliance  lay  to  in  the  same  position.  When  the  captain  of 
the  former  perceived  that  the  engagement  took  place,  he  spoke 
to  his  consort;  but  they  lost  a  great  deal  of  time,  and  it  was 
not  until  now,  that  they  came  within  gun  shot  of  the  Countess 
of  Scarborough,  and  a  kind  of  running  fight  took  place  between 
the  latter  and  the  Pallas.  The  Alliance  followed  them,  and  on 
passsng  us,  fired  a  broadside,  which,  as  we  were  closely  engaged 
with  the  enemy,  did  no  more  harm  to  them  than  to  us. 

The  battle  still  continued  with  uncommon  ardor  between  us 
and  the  enemy,  whose or  burned,  and  her  main- 
mast cut  away,  by  degrees,  by  our  bullets;  while  the  heavier 
metal  of  the  Serapis  drove  in  one  of  the  sides  of  my  ship,  and 
met  with  little  or  no  resistance.  In  short,  our  helm  was  ren- 
dered useless,  and  the  poop  was  only  supported  by  an  old  and 
shattered  piece  of  timber,  which  alone  prevented  it  from  giving 
way. 

At  length,  after  a  short  engagement,  the  Countess  of  Scar- 
borough surrendered  to  the  Pallas;  it  was  then  that  the  captain 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  387 

of  the  latter  asked  the  commander  of  the  Alliance,  "whether 
he  would  take  charge  of  the  prize,  or  sail  and  give  succor  to 
the  commodore?"  On  this,  the  Alliance  began  to  stand  back- 
ward and  forward  under  her  topsails,  until  having  got  to  the 
windward,  she  came  down,  and  discharged  a  second  broadside 
against  the  fore-part  of  the  Serapis,  and  the  hind-part  of  the 
Richard.  On  this  I  and  several  other  persons  begged  for  God's 
sake,  that  they  would  cease  firing,  and  send  a  few  men  on  board 
of  us:  but  he  disobeyed,  and  fired  another  broadside  as  he 
passed  along:  after  which  he  kept  at  a  most  respectful  dis- 
tance, and  took  great  care  not  to  expose  himself  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  action,  without  receiving  a  single  shot,  or  having 
a  man  wounded  during  the  whole  engagement. 

The  idea  that  we  were  sinking  had  taken  such  possession  of 
the  armorer's  mind,  that  he  aclually  opened  the  scuttles,  and 
made  all  the  prisoners,  to  the  number  of  a  hundred,  sally  forth, 
in  opposition  to  my  reiterated  orders.  This  event  might  have 
proved  fatal,  had  I  not  taken  advantage  of  their  affright  to  sta- 
tion them  at  the  pumps,  where  they  displayed  surprising  zeal, 
appearing  actually  to  forget  their  captivity;  for  there  was  noth- 
ing to  prevent  their  going  on  board  the  Serapis;  or,  it  was  in 
their  power  to  put  an  end  to  the  engagement  in  an  instant,  b) 
either  killing  me,  or  throwing  me  into  the  sea. 

As  our  three  quarter  deck  guns  continued  to  play  without 
interruption  on  the  enemy,  raked  her  hinder  parts,  and  damaged 
her  mast  in  such  a  manner,  that  it  was  only  supported  from  fall 
ing  by  the  yards  of  our  ship,  while  the  tops  poured  in  a  con- 
tinual discharge ;  the  fire  of  the  English  began  to  deaden  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  bereave  them  of  all  hope  of  success. 

A  circumstance,  however,  occurred,  that  contributed  not  a 
little  to  the  victory  of  the  Richard:  this  was  the  extraordinary 
intrepidity  and  presence  of  mind  of  a  Scotch  sailor,  posted  in 
the  main-top;  this  brave  fellow,  of  his  own  accord,  seized  a 
lighted  match,  and  a  basket  of  hand-grenades,  with  which  he 
advanced  along  the  main-yard,  until  he  had  arrived  exactly 
above  the  enemy's  deck.  As  the  flames  of  their  parapets  and 
shrouds,  added  to  the  light  of  the  moon,  enabled  him  to  dislin- 


38S  JOHN  PAIL  JONES 

guish  objects,  the  moment  he  perceived  two  or  three  person.' 
assembled  together,  he  instantly  discharged  a  hand  grenade 
among  them;  he  had  even  address  enough  to  drop  several 
through  their  scuttles,  and  one  of  them  set  fire  to  the  cartridge 
of  an  eighteen  pounder  belonging  to  the  lower  deck,  the  dis- 
charge of  which  scorched  several  of  the  crew. 

On  this,  the  captain  of  the  Serapis  came  upon  the  quarter- 
deck, lowered  his  flag,  and  asked  for  quarter,  at  the  very 
moment  his  main-mast  had  fallen  into  the  sea.  He  then  came 
on  board,  with  his  officers,  and  presented  me  with  his  sword. 
While  this  was  transacting,  eight  or  ten  men  belonging  to  the 
Richard  seized  on  the  Serapis'  shallop,  which  had  been  at  an- 
chor during  the  engagement,  and  made  off. 

It  was  more  than  eleven  o'clock  when  the  battle  ended;  it 
had  consequently  lasted  more  than  four  hours.  My  ship  had 
no  more  than  322  men,  good,  bad,  and  indifferent,  on  board,  at 
the  commencement  of  the  engagement,  and  the  sixty  of  these, 
posted  in  the  gun-room  when  the  gun  burst,  having  been  of  no 
further  service  during  the  action,  could  not  properly  be  consi- 
dered as  forming  part  of  the  crew  opposed  to  the  Serapis,  which 
had  received  a  supply  of  English  sailors  while  in  Denmark;  and 
it  appeared,  indeed,  by  the  muster-roll,  that  there  were  upwards 
of  400  on  board  of  her,  when  the  first  gun  was  fired.  Her  su- 
periority was  still  more  considerable  in  respect  to  guns,  without 
mentioning  her  greater  weight  in  metal,  which  surpassed  ours 
beyond  all  comparison.  Thus,  setting  aside  the  damage  done  by, 
the  Countess  of  Scarborough,  during  the  fore  part  of  the  action, 
and  also  by  three  broadsides  from  the  Alliance,  it  will  be  easy 
to  forjn  a  due  judgment  of  the  combat  between  the  Richard  and 
the  Serapis,  and  set  a  proper  value  on  a  victory  obtained  < .vet 
a  force  so  greatly  superior,  after  such  a  long,  bloody,  and  clost 
engagement. 

Trie  Vengeance,  a  corvette,  mounting  twelve  three  pounders, 
and  the  boat  belonging  to  the  pilot,  with  my  second  lieutenant, 
another  officer,  and  ten  men,  would  have  been  of  singular  ser- 
vice, either  in  pursuing  and  capturing  the  convoy,  or  by  rein- 
forcing me:  but,  strange  as  it  may  appear, the  fact  is.  that  they 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES:  i*S9 

remained  all  this  time  mere  spectators  of  the  action,  in  which 
they  took  no  interest,  keeping  themselves  to  windward,  mid  out 
of  all  danger;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  conduct  of  the  Al- 
liance had,  at  least,  the  appearance  of  proceeding  from  a  prin- 
ciple worse  than  ignorance  or  insubordination. 

It  must  appear  clear,  from  what  has  been  already  said,  that 
if  the  enemy's  ports  were  not  annoyed,  the  Baltic  fleet  taken, 
and  the  eight  Indiamen  seized,  the  blame  did  not  lie  with  me. 

It  is  but  justice,  however,  to  observe,  that  some  of  my  officers 
conducted  themselves  admirably  during  the  action.  The  lieu- 
tenant, Mr.  Dale,  being  left  alone  at  the  guns  below,  and  rinding 
he  could  not  rally  his  men,  came  upon  deck  and  superintenaed 
the  working  of  the  pumps,  although  he  had  been  wounded. 
Notwithstanding  all  his  efforts,  the  hold  was  more  than  half 
full  of  water  when  the  enemy  surrendered. 

During  the  last  three  hours  of  the  action  both  the  vessels 
were  on  fire ;  by  throwing  water  on  the  flames,  it  was  some- 
times supposed  that  they  were  quenched,  but  they  always  broke 
forth  anew,  and,  on  (he  close  of  the  action  we  imagined  it 
wholly  extinguished.  It  was  very  calm  during  the  remainder 
of  the  night;  but  when  the  wind  began  to  blow,  our  danger 
became  imminent,  the  lire  having  penetrated  the  timbers,  and 
spread  until  it  had  reached  within  a  few  inches  of  the  powder- 
magazine.  On  this,  the  ammunition  was  brought  on  the  deck, 
to  be  thrown  in  the  sea,  in  case  of  extremity;  but  we  at  length 
succeeded  in  our  endeavors,  by  cutting  away  a  few  planks,  and 
employing  our  buckets. 

Next  morning,  the  weather  was  hazy,  and  not  a  sail  to  be- 
seem We  then  examined  the  Richard  to  see  if  it  were  possible 
to  carry  her  into  any  port.  This  proving  wholly  impracticable, 
all  the  boats  were  employed  in  carrying  the  wounded  on  board 
the  other  vessels.  This  oc  Si  pied  much  of  our  time,  and  on 
the  succeeding  day,  notwithstanding  all  our  pumps  had  been  at 
work,  the  hold  was- entirely  full  of  water,  and  the  vessel  soon 
after  sunk.  On  this  occasion  1  could  only  save  the  signal  flags, 
and  I  lost  all  my  property,  amounting  to  more  than  five  thousand 
Hvres. 


390  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

On  this  I  instantly  assumed  the  command  of  the  Serapis,  on 
which  we  erected  jury  masts;  but  the  sea  was  so  tempestuous, 
that  it  was  ten  days  before  we  reached  the  Texel. 

No  sooner  was  my  arrival  known  than  forty-two  vessels,  form- 
ing different  squadrons  of  frigates,  were  fitted  out  from  the  va- 
rious ports  in  Great  Britain  against  me,  and  two  of  these  were 
stationed  during  three  months  at  the  mouths  of  the  Texel  and 
the  Fly.  My  situation  in  Holland  influenced  not  a  little  the 
conduct  of  the  belligerent  powers,  at  the  same  time  that  it  ex- 
cited the  attention  of  all  Europe.  The  English  minister  at  the 
Hague  addressed  different  memorials  to  the  states  general,  in 
all  which  he  insisted  that  the  Serapis  and  the  Countess  of  Scar- 
borough "should  be  delivered  up  to  the  king,  his  master;1'  and 
he,  at  the  same  time,  claimed  me  under  the  appellation  of  "the 
Scotch  pirate." 

Instead  of  listening  to  these  propositions,  the  states  general  per- 
mitted me  to  land  my  wounded  on  the  island  of  the  Texel,  which 
was  delivered  up  to  me  for  that  purpose;  on  this  the  British 
government  became  furious,  and  Holland  was  reduced  to  so 
critical  a  situation,  that  the  states  were  under  the  necessity  of 
insisting  that  I  should  either  leave  the  Texel,  or  produce  a  com- 
mission from  his  most  Christian  majesty,  and  hoist  the  French 
flag. 

The  prince  of  Orange,  who  was  attached  to  the  English  in^ 
terest,  sent  the  Vice-Admiral  Rhynst,  who  was  also  English  in 
his  heart,  to  assume  the  command  of  the  Dutch  squadron  in  the 
Texel,  composed  of  thirteen  two-deckers.  This  officer  drew 
up  his  squadron,  during  six  weeks,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  menace 
us;  and,  in  short,  did  every  thing  in  his  power  to  render  my  sit- 
uation both  dangerous  and  disagreeable. 

In  the  mean  time  I  had  an  interview  with  the  Duke  de  la 
Vanguyon,  at  Amsterdam,  who  intimated  to  me,  that  it  was 
the  intention  of  the  king  of  France  that  I  should  hoist  his  flag 
during  my  stay  in  the  Texel,  as  he  imagined  that  my  prizes 
would  assuredly  fall  into  the  enemy's  hands  if  I  tried  to  escape. 
I  however,  refused  this  honor,  as  I  had  declared  myself  an 
.American  officer,  and  had  given  a  copy  of  my  commi6Sion  from 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  391 

Congress  to  the  Dutch  admiral.  It  was  contrived,  however,  at 
length,  that  I  should  go  on  hoard  the  frigate  Alliance,  the  cap- 
tain of  which  had  been  sent  to  Paris,  to  give  an  account  of  his 
conduct,  and  where  I  should  still  carry  my  former  colors,  while 
the  prizes  should  hoist  the  French  flag. 

At  length  the  wind  becoming  favorable,  on  the  27th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1779,  the  Alliance  set  sail,  after  having  lost  all  her  an- 
chors, one  only  excepted,  in  consequence  of  Admiral  Rhynst's 
instructions  to  the  pilot;  and  it  was  at  least  an  hundred  to  one, 
that  we  should  fall  in  with  the  enemy.  I,  however,  had  the 
good  fortune  to  escape,  although  the  Alliance  passed  the  Straits 
of  Dover,  within  sight  of  the  English  squadron  in  the  Downs. 
After  getting  clear  of  the  Channel,  I  soon  reached  the  1.  ti  ide 
of  Cape  Finisterre,  and  entered  the  port  of  Corunna,  JatiU  ry 
16,  1780. 

On  my  return  to  France,  I  found  that  the  French  commis- 
sary had  made  a  private  sale  of  my  prizes  to  the  king  without 
consulting  me.  On  this  I  repaired  to  Versailles,  along  with  Dr. 
Franklin,  but  was  received  with  great  coolness  by  the  minister 
of  the  marine.  On  this  account  I  declined  afking  him  to  pre- 
sent me  to  his  majesty.  This  honor  was  conferred  on  me  next 
day  by  the  Prince  de  Beauveau,  captain  of  the  guards.  The 
public  received  me  at  the  opera,  and  all  the  public  places  where 
I  appeared,  with  the  most  lively  enthusiasm;  this,  added  to  the 
very  favorable  reception  I  received  from  his  majesty,  afforded 
me  singular  satisfaction:  and  the  minister  of  the  marine  from 
that  moment  paid  me  the  most  marked  attention. 

The  Count  de  Maurapas  about  this  time  intimated  to  me,  that 
his  majesty  had  resolved  to  confer  son>e  distinguished  mark  of 
his  bounty  and  personal  esteem  on  me;  this  proved  to  be  a 
sword,  mounted  with  gold,  on  which  was  engraven  the  follow- 
ing flattering  motto: — 

VINDICATI    MARIS 

LUDOVICUS   XVI.  REMUNERATOK 

STRENUO    VINDICI. 

The  hilt  was  of  gold,  and  the  blade,  &c.  were  emblazoned 
with  his  majesty's  arms,  the  attributes  of  war,  and  an  emble* 


Qtt  JOHN  PAUL  JONES. 

matical  representation  of  the  alliance  between  France  and 
America.  The  most  Christian  king,  at  the  same  time,  trans- 
mitted a  most  admirable  letter  to  congress,  in  which  he  offered 
to  decorate  me  with  the  order  of  military  merit.  All  this  was 
extremely  flattering,  as  Louis  XVI,  had  never  presented  a  sword 
to  any  other  officer,  and  never  conferred  the  cross,  except  on 
such  officers  as  were  invested  with  his  majesty's  commission. 

The  minister  of  the  marine,  a  short  time  after  this,  lent  mo 
the  Ariel,  a  king's  ship,  carrying  twenty  guns,  with  which  J 
sailed,  October  8th,  1780,  for  America.  Tiie  wind  was  at  first 
favorable;  but  I  was  soon  after  in  danger  of  foundering  on  the 
Penmarka — and  escaped  only  by  cutting  away  my  main  and 
mizen  masts.  As  soon  as  the  storm  abated,  we  erected  jury 
masts,  and  returned  to  refit;  in  short  it  was  the  18th  of  De 
cember  before  I  could  proceed  for  Philadelphia. 

During  the  voyage,  I  fell  in  with  an  English  twenty  gun  ship, 
called  the  Triumph,  and  partly  by  stratagem,  and  partly  by 
hard  fighting,  forced  her  to  strike  her  flag;  but  while  we  were 
about  to  take  possession  of  her,  the  captain,  taking  advantage 
of  her  superior  toiling,  made  off  and  escaped. 

On  my  arrival  in  America,  the  congress,  on  the  representa- 
tion of  the  Chevalier  De  la  Luzerne,  passed  a  law  to  enable  me 
to  accept  the  military  order  of  France.  The  French  minister, 
on  this  occasion,  gave  an  entertainment,  to  which  all  the  mem- 
bers of  congress,  and  the  principal  inhabitants  of  Philadelphia, 
were  invited ;  after  which  I  was  invested,  in  their  presence,  with 
the  decorations  of  the  order. 

A*  the  three  ministers  plenipotentiary  from  America  had  un- 
fortunately disagreed,  it  necessarily  follows  that  there  would  be 
some  contradiction  in  respect  to  their  reports  concerning  me. 
In  consequence  of  this,  the  congress  enjoined  the  admiralty  to 
inquire  into  the  nature  of  my  connection  with  the  court  of 
France,  and  the  reasons  which  had  induced  me  to  remain  in, 
Europe,  and  delay  the  convoy  of  the  military  stores  appertain- 
ing to  the  United  States.  In  consequence  of  the  examination 
that  ensued,  and  the  report  that  was  delivered  in,  the  congress 
passed  an  act,  dated  April  14,  1781,  in  which  I  was  thanked,  in 


JOHN  PAUL  JONES.  393 

the  most  flattering  manner,  'for  the  zeal,  the  prudence,  and  the 
intrepidity,  with  which  I  had  sustained  the  honoj*  of  the  Ame- 
rican flag;  for  my  bold  and  successful  enterprises,  with  a  view 
to  redeem  from  captivity  the  citizens  of  America,  who  had  fal- 
len into  the  power  of  the  English,  and  for  the  eminent  services 
by  which  I  had  added  lustre  to  my  own  character  and  the  arms 
of  America.'  A  committee  of  congress  was  also  of  opinion, 
'that  I  deserved  a  gold  medal  in  remembrance  of  my  services.' 

On  the  21st  of  June,  1781, 1  was  appointed,  by  an  unanimous 
vote  of  congress,  to  the  command  of  the  America,  a  74  gun 
ship,  then  building;  and  on  the  birth  of  the  Dauphin,  I,  at  my 
own  expense,  celebrated  that  happy  event  by  royal  salutes  du- 
ring the  day,  and  a  brilliant  illumination  in  the  evening,  accom- 
panied by  fire- works. 

An  unfortunate  accident,  soon  after  this,  deprived  me  of  the 
command  of  that  fine  vessel:  for  the  Mugnijique,  of  74  guns, 
belonging  to  the  Marquis  de  Vandreuil's  fleet,  happening  to  be 
lost  at  Boston,  the  congress  seized  on  this  occasion  to  testify  its 
gratitude  to  his  most  Christian  majesty,  by  presenting  him  with 
the  America  to  replace  her. 

In  the  mean  time,  it  was  resolved  to  place  a  French  frigate, 
called  PIndienne,  with  two  or  three  armed  vessels,  under  my 
orders,  in  order  to  seize  on  Bermudas;  but,  as  this  was  never 
put  into  execution,  I  applied  to  congress  for  leave  to  serve  on 
board  the  fleet  of  the  Count  d'Estaing,  then  destined  for  an  ex- 
pedition against  Jamaica. 

The  Marquis  de  Vandreuil  received  me  with  great  distinc- 
tion on  board  his  own  ship,  the  Triumphant,  where  I  occupied 
the  same  cabin  as  the  Baron  de  Viomenil,  who  commanded  the 
land  forces.  When  we  were  within  sight  of  Porlo  Rico,  intel- 
ligence was  received,  that  Admirals  Pigot  and  Hood  were  pre- 
paring to  intercept  us;  and  as  Don  Solano,  with  the  Spanish 
fleet,  did  not  meet  us  at  Porto  Cabello,  according  to  his  promise, 
many  of  the  officers,  becoming  disgusted  with  the  enterprise, 
fell  sick,  and  I  myself  was  in  a  dangerous  state ;  but  we  were 
relieved  from  our  disagreeable  situation,  by  intelligence  fr<  m 
Europe  that  a  general  peace  had  taken  place.  This  circum- 
50 


391  JOHN  BARRY. 

stance  afforded  me  great  pleasure;  as  I  now  learned  that  Great 
Britain,  after  A  long  and  bloody  contest,  had  been  forced  to  re- 
cognise the  sovereignty  and  independence  of  the  United  States 
of  America. 

On  ^his,  we  repaired  to  St.  Domingo,  where  I  received  every 
possible  mark  of  esteem  from  Mr.  De  Bellecomb,  the  governor; 
after  a  short  stay,  I  embarked  /or  Philadelphia,  penetrated  with 
gratitude  for  the  various  marks  of  esteem  I  had  received  from 
all  the  French  officers,  during  the  five  months  I  had  been  on 
board  his  majesty's  squadron. 

I  was  unable  to  re-es!ablish  my  health,  during  the  rest  of 
the  summer,  which  I  spent  in  Pennsylvania;  and  1  did  not  get 
well  until  the  autumn,  when  I  recovered  by  means  of  the  cold 
bath. 

I  then  demanded  permission  to  return  to  Europe,  on  purpose 
to  recover  the  priz"-money  due  to  myself,  officers,  and  sailors, 
which  was  granted  n  e  by  an  act  of  congress,  dated  at  Prince- 
ton, November  1,  1783. 

On  this  I  embarked  at  Philadelphia,  on  board  a  packet-boat 
destined  for  Havre  de  Grace;  but  being  forced  into  Plymouth 
by  contrary  winds,  I  took  post-horses  for  London,  and  then  set 
out  for  Paris,  and  was  received  with  great  cordiality  by  the 
ministry. 

Having  at  length  received  from  the  court  of  France  the 
amount  of  the  prizes,  I  returned  to  America  on  board  a  French 
packet-boat. 


JOHN    BARRY, 

Commodore  in  the  American  Navy. 

"The  father  of  the  commodore  was  a  respectable  farmer  in 
the  county  of  Wexford,  Ireland,  where  his  son,  the  subject  of 
this  memoir,  was  born,  in  the  year  1745.  After  having  received 
the  first  elements  of  an  English  education,  to  gratify  his  par- 
ticular inclination  for  the  sea,  his  father  entered  him  into  the 


JOHN  BARRY.  395 

merchant  service.  When  about  fifteen  years  of  age,  he  ar- 
rived in  Pennsylvania,  and  selected  it  as  the  country  of  his  fu- 
ture residence.  With  the  circumstances  which  induced  him 
to  leave  his  native  land,  and  take  up  his  abode  in  a  foreign 
country,  we  are  not  acquainted.  Of  this,  however,  wre  are 
certain,  that  they  cannot  have  been,  in  the  least,  injurious  to 
his  character;  as  we  find  that  in  the  capital  of  the  .British  pro- 
vinces, in  the  northern  section  of  the  western  hemisphere,  he 
was,  for  a  number  of  years,  in  the  employment  of  many  of  the 
most  respectable  merchants,  of  whose  unlimited  confidence  he 
ever  retained  the  full  possession.  Among  the  many  gentlemen 
in  whose  service  he  was,  Messrs.  Meredith,  Welling,  and  Morris, 
and  Nixon,  stand  most  conspicuous.  The  ship  Black  Prince,  a 
very  valuable  vessel,  belonging  to  Mr.  Nixon,  engaged  in  the 
London  trade,  was  commanded  by  him,  at  the  commencement 
of  the  American  Revolution;  but  was  shortly  after  purchased 
by  Congress,  and  converted  into  a  vessel  of  war. 

In  reviewing  the  causes  which  led  to  hostilities  between  Great 
Britain  and  her  colonies,  Barry  was  satisfied  that  justice  was  on 
the  side  of  the  latter.  He  therefore  engaged  under  the  ban- 
ners of  freedom,  and  resolved  to  devote  his  best  exertions  to 
the  emancipation  of  the  colonies  from  the  thraldom  of  the  mo- 
ther country. 

Confiding  in  his  patriotism,  congress,  in  February,  1776,  a 
few  months  prior  to  the  declaration  of  independence,  appointed 
him  commander  of  the  brig  Lexington,  of  sixteen  guns,  and  his 
was  the  first  continental  vessel  which  sailed  from  the  port  of 
Philadelphia.  His  cruizes  were  successful.  Congress  had 
caused  to  be  built  three  large  frigates,  one  of  which  was  called 
the  Effingham,  to  the  command  of  which  he  was  appointed  im- 
mediately after  that  memorable  aera,  which  gave  to  the  United 
States  a  name  among  the  nations  of  the  world.  During  the 
following  winter,  as  his  naval  employment  became  nugatory,  in 
consequence  of  the  inclemency  of  the  weather,  he,  from  an 
aversion  to  inactivity,  became  a  volunteer  aid,  in  that  season  of 
peril,  to  the  intrepid  Gen.  Cadwallader. 

The  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  forts  on  the  Delaware,  fell  into 


396  JOHN  BARRY. 

the  hands  of  the  British,  in  the  following  year,  1777;  and  Com. 
Barry,  with  several  vessels  of  war,  made  good  his  retreat  up 
the  river,  as  far  as  Whitehill,  where,  however,  they  were  after- 
ward destroyed  by  the  enemy. 

Prior  to  the  destruction  of  these  vessels,  he  successfully 
employed  those  under  his  command  in  annoying  the  enemy, 
and  cutting  off  the  supplies. 

After  the  destruction  of  the  American  squadron,  and  soon 
after  the  capture  of  Philadelphia,  he  was  appointed  to  command 
the  Raleigh,  of  thirty-two  guns,  which,  on  a  cruize,  was  run  on 
shore  by  a  British  squadron  on  Fox  Island,  in  Penobscot  Bay. 

Subsequent  to  the  above  disasters,  he  commanded  a  vessel 
commissioned  with  letters  of  marque  and  reprizal,  and  engaged 
in  the  West  India  trade  for  some  time. 

When  congress  concluded  to  build  a  74  gun  ship  in  New- 
Hampshire,  he  was  ordered  to  command  her.  It  was,  however, 
afterward  determined  to  make  a  present  of  this  vessel  to  his 
most  Christian  majesty,  when  that  august  body  gave  him  the 
command  of  the  Alliance  frigate. 

The  situation  of  American  affairs  becoming  important,  in  a 
foreign  point  of  view,  Colonel  John  Laurens,  of  South  Caro- 
lina, son  of  Henry  Laurens,  then  a  prisoner  in  the  Tower  of 
London,  was  ordered  to  France  on  a  special  mission.  Commo- 
dore Barry  sailed  in  the  Alliance  from  Boston  for  L'Orient,  in 
February,  1781,  having  the  minister  extraordinary  and  suite  on 
board.  After  landing  the  ambassador  and  suite  at  L'Orient,  in 
"the  early  part  of  the  same  year,  the  Alliance  sailed  on  a  cruize. 

On  the  29th  of  May  following,  at  day-light,  Commodore 
Barry  discovered  a  ship  and  a  brig  on  his  weather-bow,  appear- 
ing afterward  to  wear  the  British  flag.  He  consequently  pre- 
pared for  immediate  action.  The  British  ship  proved  to  be  the 
Atalanta,  Captain  Edwards,  of  between  twenty  and  thirty  guns, 
and  the  brig  Treposa,  Captain  Smith.  An  action  shortly  com- 
menced, and  by  three  P.  M.  both  vessels  struck.  Barry  was 
wounded  early  in  the  engagement;  but  notwithstanding  his  suf- 
ferings, in  consequence  of  this  casualty,  he  still  remained  on 
deck,  and  it  was  owing  to  his  intrepidity  and  presence  of  mind, 
that  the  Alliance  was  the  victor. 


JOHN  BARRY.  &)7 

On  December  25, 1781,  he  sailed  in  the  Allhnce  for  Prance, 
from  Bos*on,  having  on  board  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette,  and 
Count  de  Noailles,  who  were  desirous  of  going  to  their  native 
country,  on  business  of  the  highest  importance.  He  had 
scarcely  arrived  at  his  destined  port,  (L'Orient,)  than  he  sailed 
in  February,  1782,  on  a  cruize,  during  which  he  fell  in  with  an 
enemy's  ship  of  equal  size,  and  had  a  severe  engagement.  The 
enemy  w6uld  have  been  captured,  had  it  not  been  for  two  con- 
sorts, which,  however,  were  kept  at  a  distance  during  the  action, 
by  a  French  fifty  gun  ship,  which  hove  in  sight.  The  continen- 
tal ship  Luzerne,  of  twenty  guns,  had  her  guns  thrown  over- 
board before  the  battle  began,  in  order  to  facilitate  her  escape, 
as  she  had  a  quantity  of  specie  on  board  from  Havana,  for  the 
use  of  the  United  States.  The  captain  of  the  British  frigate, 
was  soon  after  advanced  to  be  vice-admiral  of  the  red,  ac- 
knowledged that  he  had  never  received  a  more  severe  flagella- 
tion than  on  this  occasion,  although  it  seemed  to  have  had  the 
appearance  of  a  drawn  battle. 

During  the  time  that  General  Lord  Howe  was  the  British 
commander-in-chief,  he  attempted  to  alienate  the  commodore 
from  the  cause  which  he  had  so  ardently  espoused,  by  an  offer 
of  20,000  guineas,  and  the  command  of  the  best  frigate  in  the 
British  navy;  but  he  rejected  the  offer  with  scorn.  The  return 
of  peace,  however,  in  the  year  1783,  put  an  end  to  all  such  dis- 
honorable propositions,  and  our  commodore  returned  to  private 
life. 

In  the  treaty  of  Paris,  1783,  there  was  an  article  prohibiting 
the  United  States  from  building  vessels  of  war  during  the  term 
of  twelve  years.  At  the  expiration  of  this  limitation,  however, 
our  government  conceived  themselves  to  be  on  the  eve  of  a  war 
witb  Great  Britain,  in  consequence  of  the  celebrated  corn  order 
of  the  privy  council  of  1793,  for  the  avowed  purpose  of  starving 
France,  and  the  subsequent  aggressions  on  American  commerce. 
These  apprehensions  gave  birth  to  a  law  for  creating  a  navy,  to 
the  command  of  which  Commodore  Barry  was  designed.  The 
treaty  of  1795,  however,  prevented  the  law  from  being  carried 
into  full  execution,  although  Mr.  Barry,  in  consequence  of  that 
law,  was  retained  in  service. 


39$  JOHN  BARRY. 

That  the  United  States  were  under  great  obligations  to 
France  for  the  aid  she  lent  them,  during  their  struggle  for  lib- 
erty a;id  independence,  is  a  fact  which  few  will  deny;  and  the 
extent  of  these  obligations  was  fully  expressed  in  the  treaty  be- 
tween the  two  countries  in  1 773.  It  was  therefore,  a  matter  of 
surprise  to  many,  who  have  not,  till  this  day,  called  in  question 
the  integrity  of  the  illustrious  man,  who  then  directed  the  des- 
tinies of  our  nation,  to  find  that  he  had  issued  a  proclamation, 
enjoining  a  strict  neutrality,  as  if  no  compact  between  the  two 
governments  had  ever  existed.  He  was,  however,  unquestion- 
ably actuated  by  the  purest  motive,  and  must  have  thought  that 
the  steps  which  he  had  taken  would  promote  the  interest  of  his 
country. 

In  1797,  it  was  deemed  proper  by  the  American  government, 
from  some  cause  not  generally  known,  or  explicitly  avowed,  to 
annul  the  consular  convention  with  France;  the  pretext  for 
which  was  French  aggression  on  the  American  commerce. 
During  the  maritime  disturbance  thus  created  between  the 
two  countries,  Mr.  Barry  was  actively  engaged  in  protecting 
the  commerce  of  his  adopted  country,  and  was  held  in  the  high- 
est estimation  by  his  nautical  brethren.  When  this  dispute  was 
at  last  satisfactorily  adjusted,  a  law  was  passed,  during  the  last 
year  of  Mr.  Adams'  administration,  for  reducing  the  navy;  in 
consequence  of  which,  the  vessel  he  commanded  was  laid  up  in 
ordinary,  and  he  once  more  returned  to  private  life. 

Bold,  brave,  and  enterprising,  he  was,  at  the  same  time,  hu- 
mane and  generous.  He  was  a  good  citizen,  and  greatly  es- 
teemed by  all  who  had  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance.  His 
person  was  above  the  ordinary  size,  graceful  and  commanding; 
his  deportment  dignified,  and  his  countenance  expressive. 

He  died  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  30th  of  September,  1803, 
and  a  vast  concourse  of  his  fellow-citizens  testified  their  respect 
to  his  memory,  by  attending  his  remains  to  the  silent  grave."* 

*  Wilson's  American  Biography. 


( 399  )• 


NICHOLAS    BIDDLE, 

Commodore  in  the  American  Navy. 

"Captain  Biddle  was  born  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  the 
year  1750.  Among  the  brave  men  who  perished  in  ihe  glorious 
Btruggle  for  the  independence  of  America,  Car.t.  Biddle  holds 
a  listinguished  rank.  His  services  and  the  high  expectations 
raised  by  his  military  genius  and  gallantry,  have  left  a  strong 
impression  of  his  merit,  and  a  profound  regret  that  his  early 
fate  should  have  disappointed  so  soon  the  hopes  of  his  country. 

Very  early  in  life  he  manifested  a  partiality  for  the  sea,,and 
before  the  age  of  fourteen  tie  had  made  a  voyage  to  Quebec. 
In  the  following  year,  1765,  he  sailed  from  Philadelphia  to  Ja- 
maica, and  the  Bay  of  Honduras.  The  vessel  left  the  Bay  in 
the  latter  end  of  December,  1765,  bound  to  Antigua,  and  on  the 
2d  day  of  January,  in  a  heavy  gale  of  wind,  she  was  cast  away 
on  a  shoal,  called  the  Northern  Triangles.  After  remaining 
two  nights  and  a  day  upon  the  wreck,  the  crew  took  to  their 
yawl,  the  long-boat  having  been  lost,  and  with  great  difficulty 
and  hazard,  landed  on  one  of  the  small  uninhabited  islands, 
about  three  leagues  distant  from  the  reef  upon  which  they  had 
struck.  Here  they  staid  a  few  days.  Some  provisions  were 
procured  from  the  wreck,  and  their  boat  was  refitted.  As  it 
was  too  small  to  carry  them  all  off,  they  drew  lots  to  determine 
who  should  remain,  and  young  Biddle  was  among  the  number. 
He,  and  his  three  companions,  suffered  extreme  hardships  for 
want  of  provisions  and  good  water;  and,  although  various  efforts 
were  made  for  their  relief,  it  was  nearly  two  months  before  they 
succeeded. 

Such  a  scene  of  dangers  and  sufferings  in  the  commencement 
of  his  career,  would  have  discouraged  a  youth  of  ordinary  en- 
terprise and  perseverance.  On  him  it  produced  no  such  effect. 
The  coolness  and  promptitude  with  which  he  acted,  in  the  midst 
of  perils  that  abirm^d  the  oldest  seamen,  gave  a  sure  presage  of 
the  force  of  his  character,  and  after  he  had  returned  home,  he 


100  NICHOLAS  BIDDLE. 

made  several  European  voyages,  in  which  he  acquired  a  tho- 
rough knowledge  of  seamanship. 

In  the  year  1 770,  when  a  war  between-  Great  Britain  and 
Spain  was  expected,  in  consequence  of  the  dispute  relative  to 
Falkland's  Island,  he  went  to  London,  in  order  to  enter  into  the 
British  navy.  He  took  with  him  letters  of  recommendation 
from  Thomas  Willing,  Esq.  to  his  brother-in-law,  Captain  Ster- 
ling, on  board  of  whose  ship  he  served  for  some  time  as  a  mid- 
shipman. The  dispute  with  Spain  being  accommodated,  he 
intended  to  leave  the  navy,  but  was  persuaded  by  Capta.n 
Sterling  to  remain  in  the  service,  promising  that  he  would  use 
all  bis  interest  to  get  him  promoted.  His  ardent  mind,  how- 
ever, could  not  rest  satisfied  with  the  inactivity  of  his  situation, 
which  he  was  impatient  to  change  for  one  more  suited  to  his 
disposition. 

In  the  year  1773,  a  voyage  of  discovery  was  undertaken,  at 
the  request  of  the  Royal  Society,  in  order  to  ascertain  how  tar 
navigation  was  practicable  towards  the  Nortl  Pole,  to  advance 
the  discovery  of  a  north-west  passage  into  the  South  seas,  and 
to  make  such  astronomical  observations  as  might  prove  service- 
able to  navigation. 

Tw»  vessels,  the  Race  Horse  and  Carcase,  were  fitted  out 
for  the  expedition,  the  command  of  which  was  given  to  Capt. 
Phipps,  afterward  Lord  Mulgrave.  The  peculiar  dangers  to 
which  such  an  undertaking  was  exposed,  induced  the  govern- 
ment to  take  extraordinary  precautions  in  fitting  out  and  pre- 
paring the  vessels,  and  selecting  the  crews,  and  a  positive  order 
was  issued  that  no  boys  should  be  received  on  board. 

To  the  bold  and  enterprising  spirit  of  young  Biddle,  such  art 
expedition  had  great  attractions.  Extremely  anxious  to  join 
it,  he  endeavored  to  procure  Captain  Sterling's  permission  for 
that  purpose,  but  he  was  unwilling  to  part  with  him,  and  would 
not  consent  to  let  him  go.  The  temptation  was,  however,  irre- 
sistible. He  resolved  to  go,  and  laying  aside  his  uniform,  he 
entered  on  board  the  Carcase  before  the  mast.  When  he  first 
went  on  board,  he  was  observed  by  a  seaman  who  had  known 
him  before  and  was  very  much  attached  to  him.      The  honest 


NICHOLAS    BIDDLE.  401 

i'eliow,  thinking  that  he  must  have  teen  degraded  and  turned 
before  the  mast  in  disgrace,  was  greatly  affected  at  seeing  him, 
but  he  was  equally  surprised  and  pleased  when  he  learned  the 
true  cause  of  the  young  officer's  disguise,  and  he  kept  his  secret 
as  he  was  requested  to  do.  Impelled  by  the  same  spirit,  young 
Horatio,  afterward  Lord  Nelson, had  solicited  as  d  obtained  per- 
mission to  enter  on  board  the  same  vessel.  These  yout1  fjl  ad- 
venturers are  both  said  to  have  been  appointe  '  Cock?wai  s,  a 
station  always  assigned  to  the  most  active  and  trusty  seamen. 
The  particulars  of  this  expedition  are  well  known  to  the  public. 

These  intrepid  navigators  penetrated  as  far  as  the  latitude  of 
eighty-one  degrees  and  thirty-nine  minutes,  and  they  were  at 
one  time  enclosed  with  mountains  of  ice,  and  their  vessels  ren- 
dered almost  immoveable  for  five  days,  at  the  hazard  of  instant 
destruction.  Captain  Biddle  kept  a  journal  of  his  voyage, 
which  was  afterward  lost  with  him. 

The  commencement  of  the  revolution  gave  a  new  turn  to  his 
pursuits,  and  he  repaired,  without  delay,  to  the  standard  of  his 
country.  When  a  rupture  between  England  and  America  ap- 
peared inevitable,  he  returned  to  Philadelphia,  and  soon  alter 
his  arrival,  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Camden 
galley,  fitted  for  the  defence  of  the  Delaware.  He  found  this 
too  inactive  a  service,  and  when  the  fleet  was  preparing,  under 
Com.  Hopkins,  for  an  expedition  against  New  Providence,  tie 
applied  for  a  command  in  the  fleet,  and  was  immediately  ap- 
pointed commander  of  the  Andrew  Doria,  a  brig  of  14  guns 
and  1 30  men.  Paul  Jones,  who  was  then  a  lieutenant,  and  was 
going  on  the  expedition,  was  distinguished  by  Captain  Biddle,* 
and  introduced  to  his  friends  as  an  officer  of  merit. 

Before  he  sailed  from  the  Capes  of  Delaware,  an  incident 
occurred,  which  marked  his  personal  intrepidity.  Hearing  that 
two  deserters  from  his  vessel  were  at  Lewistown  in  prison,  an 
officer  was  sent  on  shore  for  them,  but  he  returned  with  infor- 
mation that  the  two  men,  with  some  others,  had  armed  them- 
selves, barricaded  the  door,  and  swore  they  would  not  be  taken: 
that  toe  militia  of  the  town  had  been  sent  for,  but  were  afraid 
to  open  the  door,  the  prisoners  threatening  to  shoot  the  first  man 
51 


40&  NICHOLAS  TIDDLE. 

who  entered.  Captain  Biddle  immediately  went  to  tl>e  prison 
accompanied  by  a  midshipman,  and  calling  to  one  of  the  deser- 
ters, whose  name  was  Green,  a  stout,  resolute  fellow,  ordered 
him  to  open  the  door;  he  replied  that  he  would  not,  and  if  he 
attempted  to  enter  he  would  shoot  him.  He  then  ordered  the 
door  to  be  forced,  and  entering  singly,  with  a  pistol  in  each  hand, 
he  called  to  Green,  who  was  prepared  to  fire,  and  said,  '*Now 
Green,  if  you  do  not  tale  good  aim,  you  are  a  dead  man." 
Daunted  by  his  manner,  their  resolution  failed,  and  the  militia 
coming  in  secured  them.  They  afterward  declared  to  the  officer 
who  furnishes  this  account,  that  it  was  Captain  Biddle's  look 
and  manner  which  had  awed  them  into  submission,  for  that  they 
had  determined  to  kill  him  as  soon  as  he  came  into  the  room. 

Writing  from  the  Capes  to  his  brother,  the  late  Judge  Biddle, 
he  says,"!  know  not  what  may  be  our  fate:  be  it,  however,  what 
it  may,  you  may  rest  assured,  I  will  never  cause  a  blush  on  the 
cheeks  of  my  friends  or  countrymen."  Soon  after  they  jailed, 
the  small  pox  broke  out  and  raged  with  great  violence  in  the 
fleet,  which  was  manned  chiefly  by  New  England  seamen. 
The  humanity  of  C.fpt.  Biddle,  always  prompt  and  active,  was 
employed  on  this  occasion  to  alleviate  the  general  distress,  by  all 
the  means  in  his  power.  His  own  crew,  which  was  from 
Philadelphia,  being  secure  against  the  distemper,  he  took  on 
board  great  numbers  of  the  sick  from  the  other  vessels.  Every 
part  of  his  vessel  was  crowded,  the  long-boat  was  fitted  for  their 
accommodation,  and  he  gave  up  his  own  cot  to  a  young  midship- 
man, on  whom  he  bestowed  the  greatest  attention  till  his  death. 

In  the  meanwhile,  he  slept  himself  upon  the  lockers,  refusing 
the  repeated  solicitations  of  his  officers,  to  accept  their  births. 
On  their  arrival  at  New  Providence,  it  surrendered  without  op^ 
position.  The  crew  of  the  Andrew  Doria,  from  their  crowded 
situation,  became  sick,  and  before  she  left  Providence,  there 
were  not  men  enough,  capable  of  doing  duty,  to  man  the 
boats;  Captain  Biddle  visited  them  every  day,  and  ordered  ev- 
ery necessary  refreshment,  but  they  continued  sickly  until  they 
arrived  at  New  London. 


NICHOLAS  BIDFLE.  403 

After  refitting  at  New-London,  Capt.  Biddle  received  orders 
to  proceed  off  the  banks  of  Newfoundland,  in  order  to  intercept 
the  transports  and  store  ships  bound  to  Boston.  Before  he 
reached  the  banks,  he  captured  two  ships  from  Scotland,  with 
400  highland  troops  on  board,  destined  for  Boston.  At  this  time 
the  Andrew  Doria  had  not  one  hundred  men.  Lieut.  Josiah, 
a  brave  and  excellent  officer,  was  put  on  board  one  of  the  prizes, 
with  all  the  highland  officers,  and  ordered  to  make  the  first  port. 
Unfortunately,  about  ten  days  afterward,  he  was  taken  by  the 
Cerberus  frigate, and,  on  pretence  of  his  being  an  Englishman, 
he  was  ordered  to  do  duty,  and  extremely  ill  used.  Captain 
Biddle,  hearing  of  the  ill  treatment  of  lieutenant  Josiah,  wrote 
to  the  admiral  at  New  Yoik,  that,  however  disagreeable  it  was 
to  him,  he  would  treat  a  young  man  of  family,  believed  to  be  a 
son  of  Lord  Craston,  who  was  then  his  prisoner,  in  the  manner 
they  treated  lieutenant  Josiah. 

He  also  applied  to  his  own  government  in  behalf  of  this  in- 
jured officer,  and  by  the  proceedings  of  congress,  on  the  7th  of 
August,  1776,  it  appears,  "that  a  letter  from  Capt.  Nicholas 
Biddle  to  the  marine  committee,  was  laid  before  congress  and 
read:  whereupon,  Resolved,  That  Gen.  Washington  be  direc- 
ted to  propose  an  exchange  of  lieutenant  Josiah,  for  a  lieutenant 
of  the  navy  of  Great  Britain:  that  the  general  remonstrate  to 
Lord  Howe  on  the  cruel  treatment  lieutenant  Josiah  has  met 
with,  of  which  the  congress  have  received  undoubted  informa- 
tion." Lieutenant  Josiah  was  exchanged,  after  an  imprison- 
ment of  ten  months.  After  thp  capture  of  the  ships  with  the 
highlanders,  such  was  Capt.  Biddle's  activity  and  success  in 
taking  prizes,  that  when  he  arrived  in  the  Delaware,  he  had 
but  five  of  the  crew  with  which  he  sailed  from  New  London, 
the  rest  having  been  distributed  among  the  captured  vessels,  a.  id 
their  places  supplied  by  men  who  had  entered  from  the  prizes. 
He  had  a  great  number  of  prisoners,  so  that,  for  some  days 
before  he  got  in,  he  never  left  the  deck. 

While  he  was  thus  indefatigably  engaged  in  weakening  the 
enemy's  power,  and  advancing  his  country's  interest,  he  was 
disinterested  and  generous  in  all  that  related  to  his  private  ad- 


404  NICHOLAS  BIDDLE. 

vantage.  The  brave  and  worthy  opponent,  whom  the  chance 
of  war  had  thrown  in  his  power,  found  in  him  a  patron  and  a 
friend,  who,  on  more  than  one  occasion,  was  known  to  restore 
to  the  vanquished  the  fruits  of  victory. 

In  the  latter  end  of  the  year  1776,  Captain  Biddle  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  command  of  the  Randolph,  a  frigate  of  32  guns. 
With  his  usual  activity,  he  employed  every  exertion  to  get  her 
ready  for  sea.  The  difficulty  of  procuring  American  seamen 
at  that  time  obliged  him,  in  order  to  man  his  ship,  to  take  a 
number  of  British  seamen,  who  were  prisoners  of  war,  and  who 
had  requested  leave  to  enter. 

The  Randolph  sailed  from  Philadelphia,  in  February,  1777. 
Soon  after  she  got  to  sea,  her  lower  masts  were  discovered  to  be 
unsound,  and  in  a  heavy  gale  of  wind,  all  her  masts  went  by  the 
board.  While  they  were  bearing  away  for  Charleston,  the  Eng- 
lish sailors,  with  some  others  of  the  crew,  formed  a  design  to  take 
the  ship.  When  all  was  ready,  they  gave  three  cheers  on  the 
gun-deck.  By  the  decided  and  resolute  conduct  of  Capt.  Biddle 
and  his  officers,  the  ringleaders  were  seized  and  punished,  and 
the  rest  submitted  without  farther  resistance.  After  refitting  at 
Charleston  as  speedily  as  possible,  he  sailed  on  a  cruize,  and 
three  days  after  he  left  the  bar,  he  fell  in  with  four  sail  of  vessels 
bound  from  Jamaica  to  London.  One  of  them,  called  the  True 
Briton,  mounted  twenty  guns.  The  commander  of  her,  who  had 
frequently  expressed  to  his  passengers  his  hopes  of  falling  in  with 
the  Randolph,  as  soon  as  he  perceived  her,  made  all  the  sail  he 
could  from  her,  but  finding  he  could  not  escape,  he  hove  to,  and 
kept  up  a  constant  fire,  until  the  Randolph  had  bore  down  upon 
him,  and  was  preparing  for  a  broadside,  when  he  hauled  down 
his  colors.  By  her  superior  sailing,  the  Randolph  was  enabled 
to  capture  the  rest  of  the  vessels,  and  in  one  week  from  the 
time  he  sailed  from  Charleston,  Captain  Biddle  returned  there 
with  his  prizes,  which  proved  to  be  very  valuable. 

Encouraged  by  his  spirit  and  success,  the  state  of  South  Ca- 
rolina made  exertions  for  fitting  out  an  expedition  under  his 
command.  His  name,  and  the  personal  attachment  to  him. 
urged  forward  a  crowd  of  volunteers  to  serve  with  him.  and  in 


NICHOLAS  BIDDLE.  405 

a  short  time,  the  ship  General  Moultrie,  the  brigs  Fair  America 
and  Polly,  and  the  Notre  Dame,  were  prepared  for  sea.  A  de- 
tachment of  fifty  men  from  the  first  regiment  of  South  Carolina 
continental  infantry,  was  ordered  to  act  as  marines  on  board  the 
Randolph.  Such  was  the  attachment  which  the  honorable  and 
amiable  deportment  of  Captain  Biddle  had  impressed  during 
his  stay  at  Charleston,  and  such  the  confidence  inspired  by  his 
professional  conduct  and  valor,  that  a  general  emulation  per- 
vaded the  corps  to  have  the  honor  of  serving  under  his  com- 
mand. The  tour  of  duty,  after  a  generous  competition  among 
the  officers,  was  decided  to  Captain  Joor,  and  Lieutenants  Grey 
and  Simmons,  whose  gallant  conduct,  and  that  of  their  brave 
detachment,  did  justice  to  the  high  character  of  the  regiment. 
As  soon  as  the  Randolph  was  refitted,  and  a  new  main-mast  ob- 
tained in  place  of  one  Which  had  been  struck  with  lightning,  she 
dropt  down  to  Rebellion  Roads  with  her  little  squadron.  Their 
intention  was  to  attack  the  Carysfort  frigate,  the  Perseus  24 
gun  ship,  the  Hinchinbrook  of-  16  guns,  and  a  privateer  which 
had  been  cruizing  off  the  Bar,  and  had  much  annoyed  the  trade. 
They  were  detained  a  considerable  time  in  Rebellion  Roads, 
after  they  were  ready  to  sail,  by  contrary  winds  and  want  of 
water  on  the  Bar  for  the  Randolph.  As  soon  as  they  got  over 
the  Bar,  they  stood  to  the  eastward,  in  expectation  of  falling  in 
with  the  British  cruizers.  The  next  day,  they  retook  a  dis- 
masted ship  from  New-England;  as  sbe  had  no  cargo  on  board, 
they  took  out  her  crew,  six  light  guns,  and  some  stores,  and  set 
her  on  fire.  Finding  that  the  British  ships  had  left  the  coast, 
they  proceeded  to  the  West  Indies,  and  cruized  to  the  eastward, 
and  nearly  in  the  latitude  of  Barbadoes,  for  some  days,  during 
which  time  they  boarded  a  number  of  French  and  Dutch  ships 
and  took  an  English  schooner  from  New- York,  bound  to  Gre- 
nada, which  had  mistaken  the  Randolph  for  a  British  frigate 
and  was  taken  possession  of  before  the  mistake  was  discovered. 
On  the  night  of  the  7th  March,  1778,  the  fatal  accident  oc- 
curred, which  terminated  the  life  of  this  excellent  officer.  For 
some  days  previously,  he  had  expected  an  attack.  Captain 
Blake,  a  brave  officer,  who  commanded  a  detachment  of  the 


400"  NICHOLAS  BIDDLE. 

second  South  Carolina  regiment,  serving  as  marines  on  hoard 
the  General  Moultrie,  and  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  several 
of  the  ensuing  particulars,  dined  on  board  the  Randolph  two 
days  before  the  engagement.  At  dinner,  Captain" Biddle  said, 
"We  have  been  cruizing  here  for  some  time,  and  have  spoken 
a  number  of  vessels,  who  will  no  doubt  give  information  of  us, 
and  I  should  not  be  surprised  if  my  old  ship  should  be  out  after 
us.  As  to  any  thing  that  carries  her  guns  upon  one  deck,  I 
think  myself  a  match  for  her."  About  three  P.  M.  of  the  7th 
of  March,  a  signal  was  made  from  the  Randolph  for  a  sail  to 
windward,  in  consequence  of  which  the  squadron  hauled  upon 
a  wind,  in  order  to  speak  her.  It  was  four  o'clock  before  she 
could  be  distinctly  seen,  when  she  was  discovered  to  be  a  ship, 
though  as  she  neared  and  came  before  the  wind,  she  had  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  large  sloop  with  only  a  square  sail  set.  About 
seven  o'clock,  the  Randolph  being  to  windward,  hove  to,  the 
Moultrie  being  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  astern,  and 
rather  to  leeward,  also  hove  to. .  About  eight  o'clock,  the  Brit- 
ish ship  fired  a  shot  just  ahead  of  the  Moultrie,  and  hailed  her; 
the  answer  was  the  Polly  of  New- York;  upon  which  she  imme- 
diately hauled  her  wind  and  hailed  the  Randolph.  She  was 
then,  for  the  first  time,  discovered  to  be  a  two-decker.  After 
several  questions  asked  and  answered,  as  she  was  ranging  up 
along  side  the  Randolph,  and  had  got  on  her  weather-quarter, 
Lieutenant  Barnes,  of  that  ship,  called  out,  "  This  is  the  Ran- 
dolph," and  she  immediately  hoisted  her  colors  and  gave  the 
enemy  a  broadside.  Shortly  after  the  action  commenced,  Cap- 
tain Biddle  received  a  wround  in  the  thigh,  and  fell,  This  oc- 
casioned some  confusion,  as  it  was  at  first  thought  that  he  was 
killed.  He  soon,  however,  ordered  a  chair  to  be  brought,  said 
that  he  was  only  slightly  wounded,  and  being  carried  forward, 
encouraged  the  crew.  The  stern  of  the  enemy's  ship  being 
clear  of  the  Randolph,  the  captain  of  the  Moultrie  gave  orders 
to  fire,  but  the  enemy  having  shot  ahead,  so  as  to  bring  the 
Randolph  between  them,  the  last  broadside  of  the  Moultrie 
went  into  the  Randolph,  and  it  was  thought  by  one  of  the  men 
saved,  who  was  stationed  on  the  quarter-deck  near  Capt.  Biddle,, 


NICHOLAS  BIDDLE.  407 

that  he  was  wounded  by  a  shot  from  the  Moultrie.  The  fire 
from  the  Randolph  was  constant  and  well  directed.  She  fired 
nearly  three  broadsides  to  the  enemy's  one,  and  she  appeared, 
while  the  battle  lasted,  to  be  in  a  continual  blaze.  In  about 
twenty  minutes  after  the  action  began,  and  while  the  surgeon 
was  examining  Capt.  Biddle's  wound  on  the  quarter-deck,  the 
Randolph  blew  up. 

The  enemy's  vessel  was  the  British  ship  Yarmouth,  of  sixty- 
four  guns,  commanded  by  Captain  Vincent.  So  closely  were 
thev  engaged,  that  Captain  Morgan,  of  the  Fair  America,  and 
all  his  crew,  thought  that  it  was  the  enemy's  ship  that  had 
blown  up.  He  stood  for  the  Yarmouth,  and  had  a  trumpet  in 
his  hand  to  hail  and  inquire  how  Captain  Biddle  was,  when  he 
discovered  his  mistake.  Owing  to  the  disabled  condition  of  the 
Yarmouth,  the  other  vessels  escaped. 

The  cause  of  the  explosion  was  never  ascertained,  but  it  is 
remarkable  that  just  before  he  sailed,  after  the  clerk  had  copied 
the  signals  and  orders  for  the  armed  vessels  that  accompanied 
him,  he  wrote  at  the  foot  of  them,  "In  case  of  coming  to  action 
in  the  night,  be  very  careful  of  your  magazines."  The  number 
of  persons  on  board  the  Randolph  was  three  hundred  and  fif- 
teen, who  all  perished  except  four  men,  who  were  tossed  about 
for  four  days  on  a  piece  of  the  wreck  before  they  were  disco- 
vered and  taken  up.  From  the  information  of  two  of  these 
men,  who  were  afterward  in  Philadelphia,  and  of  some  indivi- 
duals in  the  other  vessels  of  the  squadron,  we  have  been  enabled 
to  state  some  particulars  of  this  unfortunate  event  in  addition 
to  the  accounts  given  of  it  by  Dr.  Ramsay  in  his  History  of  the 
American  Revolution,  and  in  his  history  of  the  Revolution  of 
South  Carolina.  In  the  former  work,  the  historian  thus  con- 
cludes his  account  of  the  action:  "Capt.  Biddle,  who  perished 
on  board  the  Randolph,  was  universally  lamented.  He  was  in 
the  prime  of  life,  and  had  excited  high  expectations  of  future 
usefulness  to  his  country,  as  a  bold  and  skilful  naval  officer." 

Thus  prematurely  fell,  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven,  as  gallant 
an  officer  as  any  country  ever  boasted  of.  In  the  short  career 
tvhich  Providence  allowed  to  him,  he  displayed  all  those  quali- 


108  EDWARD  PREBLE. 

ties  which  constitute  a  great  soldier.  Brave  to  excess,  and  con- 
summately skilled  in  his  profession,  no  danger  nor  unexpected 
event  could  shake  his  firmness,  or  disturb  his  presence  of  mii.d. 
An  exact  and  rigid  disciplinarian,  he  tempered  his  authority 
with  so  much  humanity  and  affability,  that  his  orders  were  al- 
ways executed  with  cheerfulness  and  alacrity.  Perhaps  no  of- 
ficer ever  understood  better  the  art  of  commanding  the  affections 
as  well  as  the  respect  of  those  who  served  under  him ;  if  that 
can  be  called  an  art,  which  was  rather  the  natural  effect  of  the 
benevolence  and  magnanimity  of  his  character."* 


EDWARD    PREBLE, 

Commodore  in  the  American  Navy. 

"  Jedediah  Preble  held  the  commission  of  brigadier-general 
under  the  colonial  government  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  In  the 
struggle  for  independence,  he  took  a  decided  stand  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  encroachments  of  the  British  crown,  and  during  that 
contest,  was  for  several  years  a  member  of  the  council  and 
senate  of  that  state. — He  died  in  the  year  1783,  aged  seventy- 
seven,  having  been  gratified  by  the  disposer  of  human  events 
to  live  just  long  enough  to  see  perfected  the  emancipation  of 
this  country  from  European  thraldom,  a  blessing  partly  denied 
to  Moses,  who  was  only  permitted  to  view  the  promised  land  at 
a  distance,  and  then  expired. 

This  gentleman,  in  the  year  1761,  resided  in  a  part  of  Fal- 
mouth, called  then  Casco  Bay,  now  Portland,  in  the  Province  of 
Maine,  where  his  son  Edward,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  was 
born  on  the  15th  of  August  in  that  year.  In  his  infantile  ^ears, 
he  discovered  a  persevering  and  bold  temper.  His  form  was 
robust,  his  constitution  strong  and  invigorated  by  athletic  sports. 
His  father  placed  him  at  Dummer  academy,  Newbury,  where- 
he  received  the  rudiments  of  a  Latin  and  English  education, 
under  a  Mr.  Samuel  Moody,  a  gentleman  in  high  respect  for 
his  integrity  and  literary  qualifications. 

*  Rogers'  American  Biographical  Dictionary. 


EDWARD  PREBLE.  409 

In  contrariety  to  the  wishes  and  expectations  of  his  father, 
he,  at  an  early  period,  manifested  a  predilection  for  the  sea,  and 
as  he  persisted  in  his  inclination,  his  father  at  last  deemed  it 
proper  to  gratify  him.  Hence  he  left  school  at  the  dawn  of  the 
revolution,  and  instead  of  entering  a  freshman  at  college,  he  en- 
tered a  freshman  on  board  a  letter  of  marque,  Capt.  Frend,  and 
made  his  voyage  in  a  trip  to  Europe.  At  the  age  of  eighteen, 
he  was  a  midsnipman  on  board  the  state  ship  Protector,  of 
twenty-six  guns,  Capt.  John  Foster  Williams,  in  1779.  On  her 
first  cruise  he  had  to  perform  his  part  in  a  hard  fought  action 
with  the  English  letter  of  marque,  Duff,  carrying  thirty-six 
guns,  off  Newfoundland,  when  the  enemy  at  last  blew  up. 
Scarcely  forty  of  the  crew  were  saved.  During  his  second 
cruise,  the  Protector  was  captured,  and  her  principal  officers 
sent  prisoners  to  England,  with  the  exception  of  Preble,  who 
was  released  at  New  York,  through  the  influence  of  Colonel 
William  Tyng,  his  father's  intimate  friend.  *  As  soon  as  he  had 
obtained  his  liberty,  he  returned  home. 

Mr.  George  Williams,  the  late  first  lieutenant  of  the  Protec- 
tor, having  been  appointed  to  command  the  sloop  of  war  Win- 
throp,  then  fitting  out  at  Boston,  Mr.  Preble  entered  as  first 
lieutenant,  and  continued  in  her  until  the  peace  of  1783,  ren- 
dering many  essential  services  ip  the  line  of  his  duty.  His  da- 
ring courage  and  presence  of  mind  in  the  midst  of  danger,  will 
be  best  illustrated  by  the  following  anecdote: 

Captain  Little,  having  the  tender  of  an  English  armed  brig, 
which  lay  in  the  harbor  of  Penobscot,  was  advised  of  certain 
circumstances,  which  induced  him  to  attempt  her  capture  by 
surprise.  To  accomplish  this  object  he  run  alongside  the 
brig  in  the  night,  and  had  forty  boarders  dieted  in  white 
frocks,  to  distinguish  them  from  the  enemy.  As  he  advanced, 
he  was  taken  for  the  brig's  tender,  hailed,  and  directed  to  run 
aboard.     Little's  reply  was,  that  he  was  coming  aboard. 

As  Little  came  alongside  the  brig,  lieutenant  Preble  and 

fourteen  of  the  party  appointed  for  the  purpose,  jumped  on 

board;  but  the  rapidity  of  the  vessel's  passage  prevented  the 

remainder  from  following.     Capt.  Little,  finding  the  precariotu- 

53 


410  EDWARD  PREBLE. 

ness  of  Preble's  situation,  hailed  him,  desiring  to  know,  if  he 
would  not  have  more  men.  His  reply,  indicative  of  great  pre- 
sence of  mind,  was,  "No,  we  have  more  than  we  want-,  we 
stand  in  each  others'  way."  The  brig  being  within  pistol  shot 
of  the  shore,  the  chief  part  of  the  enemy  on  deck  leaped  over- 
board, and  swam  to  land;  who  were  followed  by  some  who 
made  their  escape  through  the  cabin  windows.  The  officers 
were  just  rising  as  Preble  entered  their  cabin;  he  assured  them 
that  they  were  his  prisoners,  and  that  any  resistance  would  be 
vain  and  fatal  to  them.  The  vessel  of  course  was  surrendered, 
as  was  supposed  to  a  superior  force.  Notwithstanding  a  brisk 
cannonade  and  firing  of  musketry  from  a  battery  on  shore, 
Preble  beat  his  prize  out  of  the  harbor,  and  arrived  at  Boston, 
without  injury.  The  knowledge  of  this  gallant  achievement 
greatly  enhanced  his  reputation  as  a  naval  officer. 

From  the  peace  of  1783  to  the  year  1798,  he  pursued  with 
unblemished  reputation,  his  professional  career  in  the  mercan- 
tile employment,  with  the  varied  success  generally  attendant  on 
commercial  enterprise.  About  this  period,  when  there  was 
every  appearance  of  immediate  hostilities  between  the  United 
States  and  France,  congress  determined  to  create  a  navy,  and 
Mr.  Preble  was  one  of  the  fi\e  first  lieutenants  appointed  for 
the  naval  establishment,  which  has  since  shed  so  much  lustre  on 
the  Americai:  character  for  nautical  skill,  daring  courage,  and 
chivalrous  achievement. 

In  the  fall  and  winter  of  1798 — 9,  he  was  commander  of  the 
brig  Pickering,  in  which  he  made  two  cruizes;  and  in  1799  he 
was  promoted  to  be  captain,  and  had  the  command  of  the  Es- 
sex frigate,  of  thirty-six  guns.  With  this  frigate,  in  company 
with  the  frigate  Congress,  Captain  Sever,  he  sailed  for  Bataviaf 
in  January,  1800,  to  convoy  the  American  homeward  bound 
vessels,  trading  in  the  Indian  seas.  The  day  after  leaving  port, 
the  two  frigates  parted  in  a  snow-storm  from  the  shipping  under 
convoy,  outwardly  bound.  The  Congress  returned  dismasted; 
the  Essex  proceeded,  and  afler  waiting  for  Captain  Sever  some 
time,  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  he  departed  for  Batavia. 
Before  and  aftejr  he  arrived  at  that  port,  he  made  two  cruizes 
of  a  fortnight  duration  each,  in  the  Straits  of  Sunda. 


EDWARD  PREBLE.  411 

In  June,  he  sailed  homeward  bound,  with  fourteen  merchant- 
men, valued  at  several  millions  of  dollars.  From  these  he  se- 
parated off  the  Banks  off  Lagullos,  in  a  severe  squall,  but  most 
of  them  rejoined  him  at  St.  Helena,  from  whence  he  convoyed 
them  out  of  danger.  Off  the  Isle  of  France  or  Mauritius,  he 
gave  chase  to  a  French  corvette,  which  escaped  in  a  calm  by 
means  of  her  sweeps.  Toward  the  close  of  this  year,  Captain 
Preble  arrived  at  New- York.  Ill  health  induced  him  after- 
ward to  resign  to  Capt.  Campbell,  the  command  of  the  frigate 
Adams,  destined  for  the  Mediterranean.  Having  somewhat 
recovered  from  his  indisposition,  he  was  in  May,  1 803,  appointed 
to  the  command  of  the  frigate  Constitution,  lying  at  Boston, 
with  orders  to  prepare  her  for  sea.  In  June  a  squadron  des- 
tined to  act  against  Tripoli,  was  entrusted  to  his  direction. 
The  naval  force  consisted  of  seven  sail.  The  Constitution, 
forty-four  guns;  Philadelphia,  forty-four;  Argus,  brig,  eighteen; 
Syren,  Nautilus, and  Vixen, sixteen  each;  and  Enterprise, four- 
teen. Every  thing  being  ready,  he  set  sail  for  the  object  of  his 
destination,  on  the  13th  of  August.  Having  arrived  at  Gibraltar, 
where  he  was  apprised  of  the  unfavorable  aspect  of  affairs  be- 
tween the  United  States  and  the  Emperor  of  Morocco,  Captain 
Bainbridge  detained  a  Moorish  cruizer  of  twenty-two  guns  and 
one  hundred  men,  called  the  Mirboka,  which  had  sailed  from 
Tangier,  on  the  7th  of  the  same  month.  On  board  of  this  ves- 
sel, he  found  among  her  papers,  an  unsigned  order  authorising 
her  commander  to  cruize  against  the  Americans.  From  that 
circumstance,  as  well  as  her  having  captured  the  American 
brig,  Celia,  Captain  Bo  wen,  which  was  then  in  company,  Cap- 
tain Bainbridge  deemed  the  Moorish  vessel  to  be  good  prize, 
and  restored  the  Celia  to  her  proper  commander. 

The  last  of  May,  Capt.  Rodgers  had  detained  the  Mishouda, 
a  Tripolitan  vessel  under  Morocco  colors.  She  had  a  passport 
from  the  American  consul,  with  a  reserve  for  blockaded  ports. 
Sac  was  taken  attempting  to  go  into  Tripoli,  while  Captain 
Rodgers,  in  the  John  Adams,  was  known  to  be  blockading.  On 
board  her  were  guns  and  other  contraband  articles  not  in  her 
when  she  received  her  passport  at  Gibraltar;  also  twenty  Tri- 


412  EDWARD  PREBLE. 

poline  subjects  taken  in  at  Algiers.  The  appearance  was  that 
she  had  been  taken  under  the  imperial  flag  for  the  purpose  oi 
being  restored  to  our  enemy.  The  emperor  denied  authorizing 
the  attempt  of  the  Mishouda,  and  said  if  she  was  given  up,  the 
captain  should  be  punished.  The  Governor,  Hashash,  on  learn- 
ing the  capture  of  the  Mirboka,  at  which  time  the  emperor  was 
absent,  declared  she  acted  without  authority,  and  that  war  was 
not  intended.  At  the  same  time,  her  captain  certified  that  this 
governor  gave  him  his  order?.  Hashash  was,  and  continued  to 
be  in  the  confidence  of  Muley  Soliman. 

The  next  day  after  his  arrival,  Commodore  Preble  wrote  to 
the  consul  Simpson,  at  Tangier,  desiring  him  to  assure  the 
Moorish  court,  that  the  United  Slates  wished  peace  with  his 
majesty,  if  it  could  be  had  on  proper  terms — that  he  could  not 
suppose  the  emperor's  subjects  would  dare  to  make  war  without 
his  permission;  but  as  their  authority  was  disavowed  by  the 
governor,  he  should  punish  as  a  pirate  every  Moorish  cruizer, 
who  should  be  found  to  have  taken  an  American. 

Commodore  Rodgers,  on  whom  the  command  of  the  former 
squadron  under  Morris  devolved,  and  who  was  under  orders  to 
return  to  the  United  States  with  the  frigates  New-York  and 
John  Adams,  agreed  to  remain  a  few  days  on  the  station,  and 
to  join  Commodore  Preble  at  Tangier  Bay,  to  assist  ineffecting 
an  adjustment. 

On  the  17th,  taking  into  his  ship  the  principal  Moorish  offi- 
cers of  the  two  prizes,  he  appeared  with  the  Constitution  and 
John  Adams  in  Tangier  Bay,  hoisting  the  white  flag  in  token 
of  peace,  but  having  the  men  at  their  quarters.  Mr.  Simpson, 
however,  was  not  permitted  to  come  on  board,  nor  to  write  ex- 
cept on  an  open  slip  of  paper:  being  confined  to  his  house,  with 
two  sentinels  at  his  door. 

Another  act  of  hostility  had  been  done  at  Mogadore,  by  an 
order  to  detain  all  American  vessels,  and  the  actual  seizure  of 
the  brig  Hannah,  of  Salem,  Joseph  M.  Williams,  master. 

The  commodore  determined  to  adopt  a  high  tone  and  vigor- 
ous measures.  He  observes,  in  his  communirntior.s  to  the 
government,  "that  all  the  Barbary  powers,  except  Algiers. 


EDWARD  PREBLE.  413 

appear  to  have  a  disposition  to  quarrel  with  us,  unless  we  tamely 
submit  to  any  propositions  they  may  choose  to  make.  Their 
demands  will  increase,  and  be  such  as  our  government  ought 
not  to  comply  with.  They  send  out  their  cruizers — if  they 
prove  successful,  it  is  war,  and  we  must  purchase  peace,  suffer- 
ing them  to  keep  all  they  have  taken;  and  W  they  are  unfortu- 
nate, and  we  capture  their  cruizers  before  the}  have  taken  any 
thing  valuahle,  it  is  not  war,  although  the  orders  for  capturing 
are  found  on  board;  and  we'must  restore  all."  This  he  be- 
lieved ought  not  to  be  suffered.  Under  these  impressions  he 
did  not  hesitate  to  use  his  discretion,  although  specific  instruc- 
tions on  this  subject  were  not  given,  and  to  follow  his  own  ideas 
on  what  expediency  and  honor  required,  taking  a  firm  attitude 
towards  the  aggressor.  This  he  would  have  done  and  risked 
the  consequences,  if  he  had  been  backed  by  no  other  force 
than  that  of  his  peculiar  squadron.  The  consent  of  Commo- 
dore Rodgers  to  co-operate  with  the  two  frigates  under  his 
control,  left  no  room  for  question.  Our  consul  believed  the 
emperor  of  Morocco  had  long  meditated  to  make  war,  as  soon 
as  he  could  do  it  with  a  prospect  of  impunity.  It  was,  there- 
fore, essential  to  make  him  feel,  that  the  system  of  concession 
was  abandoned. 

Accordingly,  the  commander  gave  orders  to  his  squadron  to 
bring  in  for  examination,  all  vessels  belonging  to  the  Emperor 
and  his  subjects,  despatched  three  vessels  to  cruize  off  Moga- 
dore,  Salle  and  Zarachi,  and  one  off  Tetuan,  and  entered  the 
bay  of  Tangier  at  several  times. 

That  the  Tripolitans  might  not  think  they  were  forgotten,  he 
despatched  the  Philadelphia  and  Vixen  to  lie  before  Tripoli. 

The  consul,  Simpson,  made  representations  to  the  emperor, 
before  and  after  the  arrival  of  Commodore  Preble.  The  an- 
swers received  were  general,  but  showed  that  if  he  had  author- 
ized war,  he  was  now  prepared  to  disavow  it. 

On  the  5th  of  October,  when  his  majesty  was  expected,  he 
anchored  with  the  Nautilus  in  company,  in  Tangier  Bay — the 
circular  battery  at  the  town,  W.  1-2  S.  1  1-2  miles  distant.  Here 
he  remained,  only  changing  his  ground  once  to  be  nearer  the 


414  EDWARD  PREBLE. 

town,  until  peace  was  concluded.  He  was  joined  in  the  after- 
noon of  the  6th,  by  the  frigates  New-York  and  John  Adams. 
The  ship  was  kept  constantly  cleared  for  action,  and  the  men 
at  quarters  night  and  day.  On  the  6!h  his  majesty  arrh  cd  with 
a  great  body  of  troops,  horse  and  foot,  estimated  at  five  thou- 
sand, who  encamped  on  the  beach  opposite  the  squadron. 

The  commodore  was  careful  to  ord;^r  the  ship  dressed,  and  a 
salute  of  21  guns,  which  was  returned  from  the  fort  with  an 
equal  number,  as  was  the  salute  of  the  other  frigates  in  the 
morning  following. 

A  present  of  bullocks,  sheep,  and  fowls,  was  ordered  for  the 
squadron,  as  a  token  of  the  emperor's  good  will. 

On  the  8th,  the  emperor,  with  his  court  and  a  large  body  of 
troops,  visited  the  batteries  on  the  bay  for  the  purpose  of  view- 
ing the  United  States'  squadron,  when  the  Constitution  saluted 
again  with  twenty-one  guns — a  compliment  with  which  his 
majesty  was  very  much  gratified.  The  present  arriving  at 
the  same  time,  it  was  acknowledged  by  three  guns  according  to 
the  Moorish  custom.  The  following  day  the  consul  gave  notice 
that  the  emperor  had  given  orders  to  the  governor  of  Moga- 
dore,  for  the  release  of  the  American  brig  detained  in  that 
place,  and  that  Monday  was  appointed  for  giving  an  audience 
to  the  commodore  and  consul. 

On  the  day  assigned,  the  1 1th,  the  commodore,  accompanied 
by  Colonel  Lear,  Mr.  Morris,  as  secretary,  and  two  midshipmen, 
landed  at  Tangier  for  the  proposed  audience.  He  believed 
there  was  no  danger  in  landing;  but  he  expressed  his  desire, 
that  if  he  should  be  forcibly  detained,  the  commanding  officer  on 
board  should  not  enter  into  treaty  for  his  release,  but  open  a 
fire  upon  the  town.  They  were  ushered  into  the  presence  of 
the  sovereign  through  a  double  file  of  guards.  The  commo- 
dore, at  the  entrance,  was  requested,  according  to  Moorish 
custom,  in  such  cases,  to  lay  aside  his  side-arms.  He  said  he 
must  comply  with  the  custom  of  his  own  country,  and  retain 
them,  which  was  allowred.  On  coming  into  the  imperial  pre- 
sence, the  emperor  expressed  much  sorrow  that  any  difference 
bad  arisen,  for  he  was  at  peace  with  the  United  States*     He 


EDWARD  PREBLE,  415 

disavowed  having  given  any  hostile  orders;  said  he  would  re- 
store all  American  vessels  and  property  detained  inconsequence 
of  any  acts  of  his  governors,  and  renew  and  confirm  the  treaty 
made  with  his  father  in  1786.  The  commodore  and  consul  on 
the  part  of  the  United  States,  promised  that  the  vessels  and 
property  of  the  emperor  should  be  restored,  and  the  orders  of 
capture  revoked.  The  commodore  received  a  formal  ratifica- 
tion of  the  treaty  of  1786,  and  a  letter  of  friendship  and  peace 
to  the  president,  signed  by  the  emperor.  Thus  by  the  happy 
union  of  prudence  and  energy,  our  affairs  with  this  piratical  des- 
pot were  placed  in  a  better  condition  than  before  the  variance. 

The  commodore  having  nothing  to  fear  from  Morocco,  was 
at  liberty  to  direct  his  principal  attention  to  Tripoli.  The 
seas<*r,  however,  was  too  far  advanced  for  active  and  perma- 
nent operations  against  the  enemy.  Yet  this  officer  did  not 
indulge  himself  in  repose,  or  suffer  his  forces  to  be  idle.  In 
cruizing,  where  they  necessarily,  at  this  time  of  the  year,  en- 
countered a  rough  sea  and  tempestuous  weather,  in  supplying 
convoy,  and  in  maintaining  the  blockade  of  Tripoli,  when  prac- 
ticable, the  squadron  was  fully  and  arduously  employed.  The 
Philadelphia  and  Vixen  had  been  ordered  to  the  coast  of  Tri- 
poli. The  commodore  now  formally  declared  the  blockade  of 
that  place,  and  sent  notice  of  the  fact  to  the  ministers  and  con- 
suls of  the  United  States,  to  be  communicated  to  the  respective 
neutral  powers.  He  found  it  expedient  to  go  to  Cadiz,  in  or- 
der to  make  up  his  complement  of  men,  and  procure  a  few  sup- 
plies not  to  be  obtained  at  that  time  at  Gibraltar.  He  returned 
from  Cadiz  on  the  6th  of  November,  and  after  making  a  suita- 
ble disposal  of  his  force,  proceeded  to  Algiers,  where  he  was  to 
leave  Colonel  Lear,  the  consul  general.  On  the  22d  he  sailed 
from  Algiers  lor  Syracuse;  and  on  his  voyage  was  informed  of 
the  disastrous  loss  of  the  Philadelphia,  Captain  William  Bain- 
bridge.  The  following  is  a  brief  account  of  that  melancholy 
event: 

On  the  31st  of  October,  after  pursuing  a  Tnpolme  corsair, 
till  she  came  to  seven  fathoms  water,  in  beating  off  she  ran  on 
a  rock,  not  laid  down  in  any  chart,  about  four  and  a  half  miles 


110  EDWARD  PREBLE. 

from  (he  town.  Every  exertion  to  get  her  off  proved  ineffec- 
tual. Meanwhile  she  was  attacked  by  numerous  gun-boats, 
which  she  withstood  for  four  hours,  whilst  the  careening  of  the 
ship  made  the  guns  totally  useless.  A  reinforcement  coming  off 
and  no  possible  means  of  resisting  them  appearing,  the  captain 
submitted  to  the  horrid  necessity  of  striking  to  his  barbarous 
enemy.  In  forty-eight  hours,  the  wind  blowing  in  shore,  the 
Tripolitans  were  able  to  get  off  the  frigate,  and  having  raised 
her  guns,  towed  her  into  the  harbor.  The  commodore  appre- 
hended the  worst  from  this  diminution  of  his  force;  a  war  with 
Tunis,  and  perhaps  with  Algiers;  at  least  a  protraction  of  the 
present  war.  He  was,  however,  induced  to  hope,  that  govern-' 
ment  would  repair  this  loss  by  another  frigate  in  the  spring, 
and  would  also  furnish  him  with  more  small  vessels  <f&  gun- 
boats. 

On  the  14th  of  December,  he  sailed  with  the  Enterprise,  on 
a  winter  cruize,  amidst  boisterous  weather;  for  many  days  it 
blew  a  gale.  On  the  morning  of  the  23d,  the  Enterprise  cap- 
tured a  ketch  in  sight  of  Tripoli.  She  was  under  Turkish 
colors,  and  navigated  by  Turks  and  Greeks;  but  had  on  board 
two  Tripolitan  officers  of  distinction,  a  son  of  one  of  the  officers, 
a  number  of  Tripoline  soldiers,  and  forty  or  more  blacks,  men 
and  women,  slaves  belonging  to  the  Bashaw  and  his  subjects. 
He  at  first  determined  to  release  the  vessel  and  men  claimed  by 
the  Turkish  captain,  and  retain  the  Tripoline,  about  60  in  num- 
ber, as  prisoners;  hoping  they  would  afford  an  advantage  in 
negotiation,  and  perhaps  be  exchanged  for  some  of  our  coun- 
trymen. But  before  this  determination  was  executed,  he 
ascertained  that  the.  captain  had  been  active  in  taking  the 
Philadelphia.  Having  received  on  board  this  very  vessel  one 
hundred  Tripolitans,  armed  with  swords  and  muskets,  and  sub- 
stituted the  colors  of  the  enemy  for  his  own,  he  assaulted  the 
frigate,  and  when  she  was  boarded,  plundered  the  officers.  He 
had,  therefore,  no  hesitation  in  retaining  the  vessel.  As  she 
was  not  in  a  condition  to  be  sent  to  the  United  States,  be  trans- 
mitted her  papers  to  government,  and  sometime  after  had  her 
appraised,  and  took  her  into  the  service  as  the  ketch  Intrepid. 


EDWARD  PREBLE.  417 

February  the  3d,  1804,  Lieutenant  Stephen  Decatur,  with 
seventy  volunteers  in  the  Intrepid,  and  accompanied  by  the 
Syren,  sailed  for  Tripoli,  with  a  view  to  destroy  the  frigate 
Philadelphia.  On  the  16th,  the. service  was  accomplished  in 
the  most  gallant  manner.  Lieutenant  Decatur  entered  the 
harbor  of  Tripoli  in  the  night ;  and  laying  his  vessel  along-side 
the  frigate,  boarded  and  carried  her  against  all  opposition. 
The  assailant  then  set  fire  to  her  and  left  her.  She  was  soon 
in  a  complete  blaze,  and  was  totally  consumed. 

From  this  time  till  the  bombardment  of  Tripoli,  the  commo- 
dore was  occupied  in  keeping  up  the  blockade  of  the  harbor, 
and  in  making  preparations  for  an  attack.  He  took  the  utmost 
pains  to  convey  supplies  and  information  to  Captain  Bainbridge 
and  his  officers  and  men;  and  after  a  time,  by  means  of  the 
good  offices  of  Sir  Alexander  Ball,  succeeded.  He  tried  sev- 
eral times  to  negotiate  for  a  ransom  and  treaty ;  but  the  de- 
mands of  the  regency  were  sometimes  ridiculously  extravagant^ 
and  when  lowest,  beyond  what  he  thought  himself  permitted  to 
accede  to.  The  designs  of  warfare  he  had  entertained  were 
checked  by  a  solicitude  for  the  release  of  his  countrymen; 
though  he  may  by  some  persons,  perhaps,  be  thought  to  have 
indulged  too  far  his  aversion  to  the  payment  of  a  considerable 
ransom.  He  found  himself  able  to  make  their  situation  as 
comfortable  as  the  nature  of  it  would  admit;  and  he  believed 
that  the  infliction  of  suffering  and  terror,  when  the  time  should 
eome,  upon  the  enemy,  would  not  produce  any  long  continued 
aggravation  of  the  evils  of  their  condition,  whilst  it  would  es- 
sentially serve  his  country.  Indeed,  after  the  destruction  of  the 
Philadelphia,  the  Bashaw  at  first  affected  to  avenge  himself  by 
a  severer  treatment  of  the  captives;  but  this  was  not  long  per- 
sisted in. 

When  the  first  consul  of  France,  in  March,  at  the  instance  of 
Mr.  Livingston,  directed  his  commissary  at  this  regency  to  me- 
diate for  their  release,  Mr.  Beaussier  undertook  the  office,  and 
announced  to  the  commodore,  that  one  hundred  and  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars,  with  some  usual  gratuities,  would  probably  effect 
the  object,  and  that  perhaps  a  cartel  for  the  exchange  of  prr- 


418  EDWARD  PREBLE. 

soners  might  be  negotiated,  which  would  reduce  the  sum.  The 
commodore  did  not  think  himself  authorized  to  agree  to  these 
terms,  and  neve:  would  go  beyond  eighty  thousand;  not  thai 
the  amount  was  important,  except  on  principle,  and  as  it  might 
affect  our  relations  with  the  other  Barbary  powers.  From  tirst 
to  last,  it  was  a  point  of  honor  with  the  Bashaw,  not  to  give  up 
the  American  captives  for  a  less  sum  than  had  been  usually  re- 
ceived from  most  of  the  powers  of  Europe^  in  similar  cases. 
But  he  was  glad  at  last  to  accept  of  sixty  thousand  dollars,  sa- 
tisfied no  doubt,  that  our  naval  armament  would  be  cceval  at  leas( 
with  his  hostility,  if  not  at  all  times  equally  active  and  formidable ; 
but  especially  at  that  moment  apprehensive  that  his  brothers 
General  Eaton,  if  not  disarmed  by  negotiation  would  reinstate 
Hamet  in  the  sovereignty  of  Tripoli. 

On  the  1st  of  April,  the  commodore  went  to  display  his  force 
at  Tunis;  where  he  found  a  Tripoline  polacre  dismantled,  hav- 
ing been  blockaded  for  sixteen  days  by  Captain  Decatur.  The 
Bey  of  Tunis  had,  for  some  time,  been  uneasy  at  his  treaty  with 
the  United  States,  and  insisted  that  the  commodore  should  land 
and  satisfy  him  for  some  property  alleged  to  be  unlawfully  seized 
by  the  former  squadron.  The  commodore  made  answer  that  it 
was  not  his  business,  and  that  he  must  put  to  sea.  He  found  it 
•  necessary  to  watch  Tunis  during  the  whole  of  his  command. 
In  the  spring  he  took  another  prize, a  Tripoline;  and  upon  the 
presumption  of  her  being  condemned,  she  was  estimated,  equip- 
ped, put  in  commission,  and  called  the  Scourge. 

Finding  that  the  expected  force  did  not  arrive  from  the 
United  States,  our  oiliccrs  resolved  to  endeavor  to  make  some 
use  of  the  friendship  of  Naples.  Although  he  was  without 
diplomatic  authority,  the  minister,  General  Acton,  from  per- 
sonal regard  and  good  will  (o  the  service,  favored  his  applica- 
tion to  the  king,  and  the  commodore  obtained  as  a  friendly  loan 
to  the  United  States,  six  gun-boats  and  two  bomb  vessels,  com- 
pletely fitted  for  service,  also  liberty  to  ship  twelve  or  fifteen 
Neapolitans  to  serve  under  our  flag  in  each  boat. 

With  this  addition  to  his  armament,  on  the  21st  of  July,  1m 
joined  the  detachment  off  Tripoli,  where  his  force  consisted  of 


EDWARD  PREBLE.  419 

The  Constitution,  44  guns,  the  brigs  Argus  and  Syren,  18  guns 
each,  the  Scourge — the  schooners  Vixen  and  Nautilus,  16  guns 
each;  and  the  Enterprise,  14  guns. 

Tl  e  enemy  had  on  his  castle  and  several  batteries,  one  hun- 
dred and  fifteen  guns;  fifty-live  of  which  were  heavy  battering 
brass  cannon;  the  others  long  eighteen  and  twelve  pounders; 
nineteen  gun-boats,  with  each  a  long  brass  eighteen  or  twenty- 
four  pounder  in  the  bow,  and  two  howitzers  abaft.  He  had 
two  schooners  of  eight  guns  each,  a  brig  of  ten,  and  two  gal- 
leys, having  each  four  guns.  In  addition  to  the  ordinary  Turk- 
ish garrison,  stationed  upon  the  fortifications,  and  the  crews  of 
the  boats  and  armed  vessels,  computed  at  about  three  thousand,  • 
the  Bashaw  had  called  in  to  the  defence  of  the  city  more  than 
twenty  thousand  Arabs. 

On  the  3d  of  August,  the  squadron  was,  at  noon,  within  two 
or  three  miles  of  their  batteries.  The  commodore  observing 
that  several  of  the  enemy's  boats  had  taken  a.  station  without 
the  reef  of  rocks,  which  covers  the  entrance  of  the  harbor, 
about  two  miles  from  its  bottom,  resolved  to  take  advantage  of 
this  circumstance,  and  made  signal  for  the  squadron  to  come 
within  speaking  distance,  when  he  communicated  to  the  several 
commanders  his  intention  of  attacking  the  shipping  and  batte- 
ries. The  gun  and  mortar  boats  were  immediately  maimed  and 
prepared  to  cast  off.  At  half  past  1  o'clock,  the  squadron  stood 
for  the  batteries — at  2,  cast  off  the  gun-boats;  at  half  past  2,  sig- 
nal for  the  bombs  and  boats  to  advance  and  attack,  and  in  15 
minutes  after,  signal  was  given  for  general  action.  It  was  com- 
menced by  the  bombs  throwing  shells  into  the  town.  In  an  in. 
stant,  the  enemy's  line  opened  a  tremendous  fire  from  not  less 
than  200  guns,  which  was  promptly  returned  by  the  whole 
squadron,  now  within  musket  shot  of  the  principal  batteries. 

At  this  moment,  Captain  Decatur,  with  three  gun-boats,  at- 
tacked the  enemy's  eastern  division,  consisting  of  nine.  He 
was  soon  in  the  centre  of  them;  and  the  fire  of  grape,  langrage 
and  musketry,  was  changed  to  a  deadly  personal  combat  with 
the  bayonet,  spear,  sabre  and  tomahawk.  It  would  be  impos- 
sible, in  our  narrow  limits,  to  enter  into  a  detail  of  the  gallant 


420  EDWARD  PREBLE. 

exploits  of  our  countrymen  upon  this  trying  occasion.  The 
Turks  fought  with  desperation;  Decatur  took  two  of  their  boat* 
in  which  were  thirty-three  officers  and  men  killed,  and  twenty- 
seven  made  prisoners,of  whom  nineteen  were  severely-  wounded. 

Lieutenant  Trippe  boarded  one  of  the  large  boats,  with  only 
a  midshipman,  Mr.  Jonathan  Henley,  and  nine  men.  His  boat 
falling  off  before  any  more  could  join  him,  he  was  left  to  con- 
quer or  perish,  with  the  fearful  odds  of  eleven  to  thirty-six.  In 
a  few  minutes,  however,  the  enemy  was  subdued;  fourteen  of 
them  lost  their  lives,  and  twenty-two  submitted  to  be  prisoners; 
Lieutenant  Trippe  received  eleven  sabre  wounds,  some  of  which 
were  deep  and  dangerous.  Mr.  Henley  at  this  rencountre  dis- 
played a  valor,  joined  to  a  coolness,  that  would  have  honored  a 
veteran.  Lieutenant  Bainbridge  had  his  lateen  yard  shot  away, 
which  baffled  his  utmost  exertions  to  get  along-side  the  enemy's 
boats;  but  his  active  and  well  directed  fire,  within  musket-shot, 
was  very  effective. 

Captain  Somcrs  was  not  able  to  fetch  far  enough  to  windward 
to  co-operate  with  Decatur.  But  he  bore  down  upon  the  lee- 
ward division  of  the  enemy,  and  with  his  single  boat,  within 
pistol-shot,  attacked  five  full  manned  boats,  defeated  and  drove 
them,  in  a  shattered  condition,  and  with  the  loss  of  many  lives, 
under  shelter  of  the  rocks. 

The  two  bomb  vessels  kept  their  station,  although  often  co- 
vered with  the  spray  of  the  sea,  occasioned  by  the  enemy's  shot. 
They  kept  up  a  constant  fire,  and  threw  a  great  number  of  shells 
into  the  town.  Five  of  the  enemy's  gun-boats  and  two  galleys, 
composing  their  centre  division,  stationed  within  the  rocks, 
joined  by  the  boats  which  had  been  driven  in,  and  reinforced, 
twice  attempted  to  row  out  and  surround  our  gun-boats  and 
prizes.  They  were  as  often  foiled  by  the  vigilance  of  the  com- 
modore, who  gave  signal  to  the  brigs  and  schooners  to  cover 
them,  which  was  promptly  attended  to  by  those  vessels,  all  of 
which  were  gallantly  conducted,  and  annoyed  the  enemy  ex- 
ceedingly. The  fire  of  the  Constitution  had  its  ample  share  in 
this  bombardment.  It  kept  the  flotilla  in  constant  disorder,  and 
produced  no  inconsiderable  effort  en  shore. 


EDWARD  PREBLE,  42A 

At  half  past  four,  the  wind  inclining  to  the  northward,  and 
at  the  same  time  the  enemy's  flotilla  having  retreated  behind 
coverts,  which  shielded  them  from  our  shot,  while  our  people 
were  necessarily  much  exhausted  by  two  hours  and  a  half  severe 
exertion,  signal  was  given  for  the  gun-boats  and  bombs  to  retire 
from  action;  and  immediately  after  for  the  brigs  and  schooners 
to  take  the  gun-boats  and  their  prize?  in  tow,  which  was  hand- 
somely executed,  the  whole  covered  by  a  heavy  fire  from  the 
Constitution.  In  fifteen  minutes  the  whole  squadron  was  out  of 
the  reach  of  the  enemy's  shot,  and  the  Commodore  hauled  oiF 
to  give  tow  to  the  bomb-ketches. 

On  board  the  frigate  not  a  man  was  killed.  The  other  ves- 
sels and  boats  suffered  in  their  rigging,  and  had  sundry  men 
wounded,  but  lost  none  except  Lieutenant  Decatur,  the  brother 
of  the  Captain  Decatur,  so  conspicuous  in  this  war.  Several 
circumstances  explain  this  impunity  of  our  squadron.  Where 
the  engagement  was  close,  as  with  the  boats,  the  impetuosity  of 
the  attack,  as  well  as  our  more  dexterous  use  of  the  weapons 
of  destruction,  overpowered  and  appalled  the  enemy.  The 
barbarians  are  unskilful  gunners.  The  shower  of  grape-shot 
annoyed  and  discomposed  them,  in  the  application  of  what  lit- 
tle skill  they  possessed. 

Very  different  was  the  result  of  this  conflict  to  the  enemy. 
The  American  fire  was  not  an  empty  peal,  but  <t  messenger  of 
death  in  every  direction.  The  three  captured  boats  had  one 
hundred  and  three  men  on  board,  forty-seven  of  whom  were 
killed,  twenty-six  wounded,  and  thirty  only  remained  fit  for 
duty.  Three  other  boats  were  sunk  with  their  entire  crews, 
and  the  decks  of  their  vessels  in  the  harbor  were  swept  of  num- 
bers. Many  guns  of  the  fort  were  dismounted,  and  the  town 
was  considerably  damaged. 

This  attack  on  Tripoli  displayed  in  an  eminent  degree,  the 
penetration  and  energy  of  the  commodore,  and  his  power  of 
infusing  his  own  spirit  of  heroism  into  his  officers  and  men. 
This  achievement,  as  might  be  expected,  made  a  powerful  im- 
pression on  the  mind  of  the  enemy.  The  burning  of  the  Phil- 
adelphia could  not  fail  to  make  the  Bashaw  and  his  people 


122  KDWAKD  PREBLE. 

apprehend  something  serious  from  the  present  commander. 
When  the  squadron  was  seen  standing  in,  however,  he  affected 
contempt,  and,  surveying  them  from  his  palace,  observed, 
41  They  will  mark  their  distance  for  tacking;  they  are  a  sort  of 
Jews,  who  have  no  notion  of  fighting."  The  palace  and  ter- 
races of  the  houses  were  covered  with  spectators,  to  see  the 
chastisement  the  Bashaw's  boats  would  give  the  squadron,  if 
they  approached  too  near.  This  exultation  was  very  transient ; 
for  the  battle  was  scarcely  joihed,  when  no  one  was  seen  on 
shore,  except  on  the  batteries.  An  intelligent  officer  of  the 
Philadelphia,  then  in  captivity,  observed  that  the  Tuiks  asked 
if  those  men  that  fought  so  were  Americans,  or  infcrnals  in 
Christian  shape,  sent  to  destroy  the  sons  of  the  prophet. 

On  the  5th  of  August,  the  commodore  prevailed  on  a  French 
privateer,  which  had  left  Tripoli  that  morning,  to  return  with 
fourteen  wounded  Tripolines,  whose  wounds  had  been  carefully 
dressed,  and  whom  the  commodore  sent  with  a  letter  to  the 
Bashaw's  minister.  These  prisoners,  it  is  said,  informed  the 
Prince  that  the  Americans  in  battle  were  fiercer  than  lions;  but 
in  the  treatment  of  their  captives  were  even  more  kind  than 
Musselmen.  On  the  7th,  the  privateer  returned  with  a  letter 
from  the  French  consul,  signifying  that  the  Bashaw  had  very 
much  lowered  his  tone;  and  would  probably  treat  on  reasona- 
ble terms.  But  nothing  satisfactory  being  proposed  by  the 
enemy,  and  the  terms  intimated  being  higher  than  the  comman- 
der was  authorized  to  make,  he  prepared  for  a  second  attack. 
At  half  past  two  the  assault  was  made.  Within  two  hours,  six 
of  the  seven  guns  were  silenced.  Forty-eight  shells  and  about 
iive  hundred  round  shot,  twenty-four  pounders,  were  thrown 
into  the  town  and  batteries,  when,  between  five  and  six  P.  M. 
the  squadron  retired  from  action.  During  the  engagement, 
the  enemy's  gun-boats  and  galleys  manoeuvred  to  gain  a  posi- 
tion to  cut  off  the  .retreat  of  ours;  but  the  larger  vessels  were* 
so  arranged  as  to  defeat  their  design.  The  loss,  this  day,  was 
twenty-two  killed  and  six  wounded,  two  of  them  mortally. 

At  eight  in  the  evening,  the  John  Adams,  Captain  Chauncey, 
joined  the  squadron.     By  him  the  Commodore  had  tlic  lirsf 


EDWARD  PREBLE.  1-3 

r 

official  notice  that  four  frigates  were  on  tlicir  passage  to  reinforce 
his  detachment.  At  the  same  time,  also,  he  learned  that,  by 
the  appointment  of  a  senior  officer  to  one  of  the  frigates,  he 
would  be  superseded  in  the  command.  The  government  were 
highly  satisfied  with  the  commodore,  but  they  had  not  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  Captains,  junior  to  Preble,  to  supply  all  the 
frigates  sent  out;  and  they  did  not  think  the  saving  of  his  feel- 
ings would  justify  the  creation  of  any  others.  Had  they,  how- 
ever, known  or  anticipated  his  brilliant  success  at  this  time,  they 
would  probably  have  ventured  upon  the  promotion  of  one  or 
two  of  the  gallant  lieutenants  in  the  Mediterranean,  in  order  to 
keep  the  commodore  in  the  chief  command. 

As  the  frigates  were  to  sail  four  days  after  the  John  Adams, 
further  operations  were  suspended  in  expectation  of  their  arri- 
val. No  assistance  could  be  received  from  this  frigate,  as  her 
guns  had  been  stowed  by  the  kelson,  and  their  carriages  put 
away  into  the  other  frigates,  to  make  room  for  her  cargo,  she 
being  sent  out  as  a  transport. 

On  the  9th,  Commodore  Treble,  in  the  brig  Argus,  reconnoi- 
tred the  harbor.  The  next  day  a  flag  of  truce  was  seen  flying 
on  the  castle.  The  commodore  sent  a  boat  on  shore,  which 
was  not  permitted  to  land,  but  returned  with  a  letter  from  the 
French  consul,  advising  the  commodore  that  the  Bashaw  would 
accept  five  hundred  dollars  each  for  the  ransom  of  the  prisoners, 
and  terminate  the  war  without  any  consideration  or  annuity  for 
peace. 

The  amount  of  the  demand  was  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  dollars,  which  the  commodore  rejected;  but  for  the 
sake  of  the  captives,  and  to  save  the  further  effusion  of  blood, 
offered  eighty  thousand,  and  ten  thousand  for  presents.  After 
beginning  to  treat  with  the  French  commissary  general,  the 
Bashaw  suspended  the  negotiation,  saying  he  would  wait  the 
result  of  another  ajtack.  On  the  night  of  the  23d,  the  bomb- 
vessels,  under  protection  of  the  gun-boats,  were  -<cnt  in  to  bom- 
bard the  town.  The  bombardment  commenced  at  two  A.  M. 
and  continued  till  daylight;  but,  as  it  was  subsequently  ascer- 
tained, without  much  eiFecr. 


434  EDWARD  TREULE. 

On  the  27th,  the  weather  proving  favorable,  the  commodore 
stood  in  for  Tripoli,  and  anchored  his  ship  two  miles  N.  by  E. 
from  Fort  English-,  the  light  vessels  keeping  under  way.  A 
number  of  his  officers,  and  many  of  the  seamen  being  employed 
in  the  boats,  Captain  Chauncey,  with  several  of  his  officers,  and 
about  seventy  seamen,  volunteered  their  services  on  board  the 
Constitution. 

The  gun-boats,  accompanied  by  the  Syren,  Argus,  Vixen, 
Nautilus,  Enterprise,  and  boats  of  the  squadron,  anchored  at 
three  in  the  morning,  within  pistol  shot  of  the  enemy's  lines, 
with  springs  on  their  cables,  and  commenced  a  brisk  fire  on 
their  shipping,  town,  batteries,  and  castle,  which  was  warmly 
returned.  The  ship's  boats  remained  with  the  gun-boats,  to 
assist  in  boarding  the  flotilla,  in  case  it  should  come  out,  and 
the  brigs  and  schooners  were  kept  under  way  to  harass  the  en- 
emy, or  to  assist  the  gun-boats.  At  daylight,  apprehensive  that 
the  ammunition  in  the  gun-boats  must  be  nearly  exhausted,  the 
commodore  weighed  anchor,  and  made  signal  for  the  gun-boats 
to  retire  from  action.  When  arrived  within  a  sure  distance,  he 
opened  his  battery  with  round  and  grape  shot,  upon  thirteen 
gun-boats  and  galleys,  which  were  closely  engaged  with  ours, 
sunk  one  of  them,  disabled  two,  and  put  the  rest  to  fligbt.  He 
continued  running  in,  until  within  musket-shot  of  the  batteries, 
when  he  hove  to,  fired  three  hundred  round  shot,  besides  grape 
and  cannister,  into  the  Bashaw's  castle,  the  town,  and  batteries. 
He  silenced  the  castle,  and  two  of  the  batteries,  and  a  little 
after  six,  hauled  off.  The  gun-boats  fired  four  hundred  round 
shot,  besides  grape  and  cannister,  with  evident  effect. 

The  French  commissary  now  renewed  the  negotiation  for 
peace:  but  it  was  broken  off,  in  consequence,  as  he  thought,  of 
one  of  the  squadron  approaching  the  harbor  as  a  cartel;  which 
he  said  was  interpreted  by  the  ignorant  and  mistrustful  Bashaw, 
as  a  proof  of  discouragement  on  the  part  of  the  invader. 

On  the  Sd  of  September,  the  bomb-ketches  being  repaired, 
as  well  as  the  damages  sustained  by  the  other  vessels  in  the  ac- 
tion of  the  27th,  the  squadron  was  again  ready,  and  disposed  for 
another  attack  on  the  town  and  batteries.     Between  three  and 


EDWARD  PREBLE.  425 

four  o'clock,  the  action  commenced,  and  soon  became  general. 
But  the  wind  veering  to  the  northward,  and  beginning  to  blow 
fresh,  at  half  past  four  P.  M.  he  gave  the  signal  to  retire  from 
action  under  cover  of  the  Constitution.  In  this  engagement, 
although  the  frigate  and  vessels  were  much  damaged,  not  a  man 
was  lost.  The  bomb  vessel,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Robin- 
son, had  all  her  shrouds  shot  away,  and  was  so  shattered  in  the 
hull  as  to  be  kept  above  water  with  difficulty.  The  Argus  re- 
ceived a  thirty-two  pound  shot  in  her  hull,  which  cut  away  a 
bower  cable,  as  it  entered,  and  which  so  checked  its  velocity, 
that  it  fell  upon  deck  without  doing  injury. 

The  Commodore  had,  for  some  time,  contemplated  sending  a 
lire-ship  into  the  harbor  to  destroy  the  flotilla;  and,  at  the  same 
time,  throw  a  quantity  of  shells  into  the  town.  Capt.  Somers 
volunteered  in  this  service,  and  with  the  assistance  of  Lieuten- 
ants Wadsworth  and  Israel,  fitted  out  the  ketch  Intrepid  for  this 
expedition.  A  hundred  barrels  of  gunpowder,  and  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  fixed  shells,  were  placed  in  the  hold,  with  fuses 
and  combustibles  so  applied  as  to  fire  them  without  endangering 
the  retreat  of  the  adventurers.  On  the  evening  of  the  4th  of 
September,  Captain  Somers  chose  two  fast  rowing  boats  from 
the  squadron  to  bring  off  the  people,  after  hav<ing  fired  the  ves- 
sel. His  own  boat  was  manned  by  four  seamen  from  the  Nau- 
tilus, with  Lieut.  Wadsworth,  and  six  men  from  the  Constitution. 
At  eight  they  parted  from  the  squadron  and  stood  into  the  har- 
bor, convoyed  by  the  Argus,  Vixen,  and  Nautilus,  to  within  a 
short  distance  of  the  batteries.  Having  gained  the  inner  har- 
bor, and  got  near  to  the  point  of  destination,  she  was  boarded 
and  carried  by  two  galleys  of  one  hundred  men  each.  At  this 
moment  she  exploded.  The  effect  was  awful.  Everv  battery 
was  silenced,  and  not  a  gun  was  fired  afterward  during  the  night. 
Captain  Somers  is  said  to  have  declared  to  a  friend,  that  in  case 
he  should  be  boarded  he  would  not  be  captured.  There  is  every 
reason  to  believe  that,  on  the  enemy  proving  successful,  the  Cap- 
tain seized  a  quick-match,  and  touched  a  train  which  communi- 
cated instant  fire  to  the  mine ;  by  which  he  and  his  companions 
found,  with  the  enemy,  a  common  death. 
54      • 


420  EDWARD  PREBLE. 

Nothing  occurred  after  this,  till  the  two  squadrons  joined  on 
the  9th  of  September.  Here  ended  Mr.  Preble's  command,  so 
honorable  to  himself,  and  in  both  its  immediate  and  distant  con- 
sequences, important  to  his  country. 

All  joined  in  the  suffrage  to  the  distinguished  merits  of  the 
Commodore.  His  Holiness  the  Pope  is  said  to  have  remarked, 
that  he  had  done  more  towards  humbling  the  anti-Christian  bar- 
barians on  that  coast,  than  all  the  Christian  states  had  ever  done. 
Sir  Alexander  Ball,  in  a  letter  of  September  20th,  said,  ''I  beg 
to  repeat  my  congratulation  on  the  service  you  have  rendered 
your  country,  and  the  hair-breadth  escapes  you  have  had  in  set- 
ting a  distinguished  example.  Their  bravery  and  enterprise 
are  worthy  a  great  and  rising  nation.  If  I  were  to  offer  my 
opinion,  it  would  be  that  you  have  done  well  not  to  purchase  a 
peace  with  the  enemy.  A  few  brave  men  have,  indeed,  been 
sacrificed,  but  they  could  not  have  fallen  in  a  better  cause;  and 
I  even  conceive  it  advisable  to  risk  more  lives,  rather  than  sub- 
mit to  terms,  which  might  encourage  the  Barbary  states  to  add 
fresh  demands  and  insults." 

After  the  squadron  joined,  the  Commodore  obtained  leave  to 
return  home,  where  he  was  received  and  treated  every  where 
with  distinguish^  attention. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1 806,  the  health  of  Mr.  Preble 
began  to  decline.  Finding  that  the  inveteracy  of  his  malady 
bid  defiance  to  medical  skill,  he  resolved  on  a  water  excursion 
as  a  last  experiment;  but  it  resulted  in  no  beneficial  effect.  He 
breathed  his  last  on  Tuesday,  the  25th  of  August,  1807,  in  the 
46th  year  of  his  age.  On  the  day  of  his  funeral,  business  was 
suspended,  the  colors  were  displayed  at  half-mast  from  the  ship- 
ping in  the  harbor,  and  he  was  interred  with  military  honors, 
and  the  ceremonies  of  religion  and  masonry."* 

*  Rogers'  American  Biography. 


(427) 


THOMAS   TRUXTUN, 

Commodore  in  the  American  Navy. 

"  The  father  of  Captain  Truxtun  was  an  eminent  counsellor 
of  the  bar  of . the  then  colony  of  New- York,  and  resided  on 
Long  or  Nassau  Island,  where  the  Commodore  was  born  on  the 
1 7lh  of  February,  1 755.  Having  lost  his  father  at  an  early  age, 
he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  John  Troup,  Esq.  of  Jamaica, 
Long-Island,  a  gentleman  well  known  in  the  annals  of  the  war 
bet'veen  France  and  England,  preceding  the  American  revolu- 
tion. The  sea  was  his  favorite  element.  At  twelve  years  of 
age,  he  first  embarked  in  his  naval  career,  under  a  Capt.  Jo- 
seph Holmes,  in  the  ship  Pitt,  bound  for  Bristol,  England.  The 
next  year,  he  sailed  under  a  Captain  Chambers,  in  the  London 
trade.  While  yet  in  his  novitiate  he  was  impressed  on  board 
of  an  English  ship  of  war  of  sixty-four  guns,  during  the  dis- 
pute with  Spain  about  the  Falkland  Islands,  from  which  ship 
he  was  afterward  released,  through  the  influence  of  some  friends 
in  power.  The  commander  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  ship 
Prudent,  from  which  he  was  discharged,  used  every  persuasion 
to  induce  him  to  remain  in  the  service  of  the  crown,  with  the 
strongest  assurances,  that  every  exertion  should  be  used  for  his 
speedy  promotion,  but  without  effect,  as  he  immediately  re- 
turned to  the  ship  and  service  from  which  he  had  been  im- 
pressed. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  revolutionary  struggle  he  forthwith 
embarked  in  the  cause  of  the  colonies,  against  the  unjust  op- 
pression of  Great  Britain,  and  early  in  1775  had  the  command 
of  an  armed  vessel,  with  which  he  cruized  against  the  enemy 
with  great  success.  In  these  cruizes,  the  United  States  were 
much  benefitted  by  the  .quantities  of  powder  which  were  found 
on  board  his  prizes,  of  which  articles  they  were  greatly  in  want. 
Toward  the  close  of  the  same  year,  when  on  a  voyage  to  St. 
Eustatia,  a  Dutch  island  in  the  West  Indies,  in  a  letter  of 
marque,  of  which  he  was  half  owner,  he  was  captured  off  the 


426  THOMAS  TRUXTUN. 

Island  of  St.  Christopher's,  his  vessel  condemned,  and  himself1 
released  under  the  provisions  of  the  general  restraining  act  of 
the  British  Parliament.  From  St.  Christopher's  he  went  to 
St.  Eustatia,  and  thence  to  Philadelphia.  His  next  cruize 
was  in  the  capacity  of  first-lieutenant  of  the  private  armed 
ship  Congress,  which  was  just  equipping  for  sea.  During  the 
early  part  of  the  winter  of  1776$  this  vessel,  in  company  with 
another  private  armed  vessel,  called  the  Chance,  fitted  out  at 
the  same  time,  made  several  prizes  off  the  Havana,  which  were 
very  valuable  home-bound  Jamaica  ships,  going  through  the 
Gulf  of  Florida.  He,  as  a  prize-master,  brought  one  of  them 
safe  into  the  port  of  Bedford,  Massachusetts.  In  June  of  the 
same  year,  while  the  harbor  of  New-York  was  blockaded  by 
the  British  fleet,  previous  to  its  evacuation  by  the  Americans, 
he  made  his  way  to  sea,  through  the  Long-Island  Sound,  in  a 
vessel  called  the  Independence,  fitted  out  by  himself  and  Isaac 
Sears,  Esq.  and  placed  under  his  command.  Off  the  Azores 
or  Western  Isles,  he  made  several  prizes  of  which  three  were 
large  and  valuable  ships,  forming  a  part  of  the  Windward  Is- 
land fleet,  under  convoy.  One  of  these  prizes,  carried  more 
guns  and  men  than  his  vessel.  The  proud  Englishmen,  not- 
withstanding their  vaunted  natural  prowess,  were  obliged  to 
strike  their  colors  to  an  inferior  force.  Truxtun  next  directed 
his  course  to  the  British  Channel,  in  the  ship  Mars,  of  twenty 
guns,  where  he  made  a  number  of  prizes,  several  of  which  he 
sent  into  Quiberon  Bay.  The  French  court,  from  a  desire  to 
lessen  the  strength  of  a  rival  power,  had  for  some  time  lent  a 
secret  aid  to  the  revolting  colonies,  yet  it  had  not  manifested 
their  hostile  intentions  so  openly  as  to  induce  the  recal  of  the 
British  minister  from  Versailles.  Hence,  upon  the  reception  of 
these  prizes  into  a  French  port,  the  British  ambassador,  Lord 
Stormont,  made  a  strong  remonstrance  to  the  cabinet,  protest- 
ing against  the  admission  of  American  armed  vessels  and  pri- 
zes into  the  ports  of  France,  but  without  effect.  Truxtun. 
after  this  cruize,  domiciliated  himself  in  Philadelphia,  from 
which  port  he  sailed  during  the  remainder  of  the  war,  com- 
manding vessels,  of  which  he  was  in  general  part  owner.  His 
cruizes  were  generally  successful. 


THOMAS  TRUXTTJN.  429 

When  commanding  the  St.  James,  of-  twenty  guns,  and  one 
hundred  men,  on  a  voyage  to  France  with  Thomas  Barclay,  Esq. 
the  Consul  General  from  the  revolted  colonies  to  that  country, 
a  passenger  on  board,  he  fell  in  with  a  British  private  ship  of 
war  mounting  32  guns,  and  a  proportionate  number  of  men, 
consequently  nearly  double  his  force.  After  a  severe  and  close 
engagement,  the  enemy  was  obliged  to  sheer  off,  and  was  after- 
ward towed  into  New-York  in  a  very  crippled  state.  The  late 
Secretary  of  the  Navy,  William  Jones,  Esq.  acted  as  Captain 
Truxtun's  third  lieutenant,  and  conducted  himself  during  the 
whole  engagement  with  such  distinguished  bravery  thai  he  »vas 
shortly  after  promoted  to  a  first-lieutenancy.  In  this  vessel, 
Truxtun  returned  safe  to  Philadelpnia  with  a  most  valuable 
cargo.  He  used  every  means  in  his  power  to  harass  the  enemy 
on  the  ocean,  during  every  period  of  the  war,  and  constantly 
evinced  the  most  consummate  skill  and  undaunted  courage; 
and  his  exertions  were  almost  universally  crowned  with  com- 
plete success.  He  likewise,  in  two  instances,  distinguiaued 
himself  on  land. 

On  the  return  of  peace,  he  continued  his  professional  pur- 
suits between  this  country,  Europe,  and  Asia,  until  1"94,  when 
the  lowering  appearances  ot  our  affairs  with  Great  Britain,  in 
consequence  oi  the  conduct  of  her  naval  commanders,  under 
the  celebrated  Corn  order  of  Council  in  1793,  induced  the  es- 
tablishment of  a  navy,  which  they  could  then  do,  without  in- 
fracting the  treaty  of  peace,  which  prohibited  them  from  such 
an  attempt  for  twelve  years.  The  term  of  prohibition  had 
just  expired.  General  Washington,  then  President,  by  advice 
and  consent  of  the  Senate,  appointed  him  captain  of  one  of  the 
six  ships  of  war,  which  had  been  ordered  to  be  built.  But  the 
building  of  these  vessels  was  suspended,  in  consequence  of  the 
treaty  of  1795.  On  the  abrogation  of  the  consular  convention 
with  France,  in  the  year  1798,  during  the  administration  of 
Mr.  John  Adams,  Captain  Truxtun  was  directed  to  superintend 
the  building  of  the  frigate  Constellation,  at  Baltimore,  of  which 
he  was  appointed  commander.  This  vessel  was  one  of  the  first 
which  put  to  sea  in  consequence  of  the  hostile  attitude  assumed 
by  the  United  States  towards  the  French  Republic.     His  or- 


430  THOMAS  TRUXTUN. 

ders  were  to  cruize  in  the  West  India  seas  for  the  protection 
of  American  property.  The  9th  of  February,  1799,  he  fell  in 
with  the  French  frigate  L'Insurgente,  Captain  Barreau,  off'  the 
Island  of  St.  Nevis.  With  this  vessel,  he  commenced  a  severe 
engagement,  which  lasted  for  an  hour  and  a  quarter,  when  the 
Frenchman  struck ;  but  not  until  his  ship  had  become  a  mere- 
wreck.  The  Constellation,  mounting  thirty-six  guns,  and  a 
proportionate  crew,  lost,  in  this  engagement,  only  one  man  killed 
and  two  wounded,  while  the  loss  on  board  the  Insurgeute,  mount- 
ing forty-four  guns,  with  four  hundred  and  seventeen  men,  was 
twenty  killed  and  forty-four  wounded.  With  his  prize,  he  put 
into  Basse  Terre,  St.  Christopner's,  where  he  refitted  and  re- 
turned to  America.  This  was  the  first  action  which  had  taken 
place  since  the  commencement  of  the  disturbance  between  the 
United  States  aid  France.  The  fame  of  the  achievement  was 
blazoned  abroad,  both  in  Europe  and  America,  and  produced  the 
Commodore  the  most  flattering  marks  of  distinction.  The  mer- 
chants at  Lloyd's  Coffee  House,  London,  sent  him  a  present  of 
a  service  of  silver  plate,  with  a  suitable  device,  valued  at  up- 
waids  of  600  guineas.  The  captive  commander,  in  a  letter  to 
the  commodore  while  he  lamented  the  unhappy  posture  of  affairs 
between  the  two  countries,  expressed  himself  as  being  well 
pleaded,  that  the  rhance  of  war  had  thrown  him  into  such  gal- 
lant and  brave  hands,  and  thanked  the  Commodore  for  his 
generous  conduct  towards  himself  and  his  crew. 

During  his  cruise  .he  captured  many  private  armed  and 
other  vessels,  and  completely  cleared  those  seas  of  the  French 
cruizers,  by  which  so  many  depredations  had  been  committed 
on  the  American  and  English  commerce  in  that  quarter. 

While  our  other  vessels  of  war  were  busily  engaged  in  con- 
voying the  American  commerce,  the  commodore,  (a  title  ac- 
quired by  courtesy,  as  the  laws  of  the  United  States  know  of 
no  such  officer)  heard  in  January,  1800,  that  the  French  ship 
of  war  La  Vengeance,  mounting  54  guns,  with  a  complement 
of  500  men,  was  lying  at  Gaudaloupe  with  troops  and  several 
general  officers  on  board,  intending  to  put  to  sea.  He  imme- 
diately changed  his  cruizing  ground,  and  endeavoured  to  fall 
in  with  her,  and,  if  possible,  to  bring  her  to  action.     The  su- 


THOMAS  TRUXTUN.  431 

periority  of  her  force  was,  in  a  great  measure,  counterbal- 
anced by  a  complement  of  too  many  men  and  a  number  of 
troops. 

On  the  first  of  February,  his  wishes  were  gratified,  as  he 
descried  her  on  the  morning  of  that  day,  and  after  twelve 
hours  chase,  brought  her  to  action.  In  consequence  of  having 
too  many  troops,  and  a  great  number  of  officers  on  board,  the 
French  commander  was  unwilling  to  risk  a  combat,  but  the  in- 
tentions of  his  gallant  antagonist  were  very  different.  An  en- 
gagement took  place,  and  after  a  close  action  of  nearly  five 
hours,  the  Frenchman  was  silenced.  During  a  squall,  while 
the  Americans  were  busily  engaged  in  clearing  their  ship,  the 
Freuch  captain  effected  his  escape. 

This  he  was  enabled  to  do  by  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
although  prior  to  this  circumstance  he  had  struck  his  colours, 
as  he  afterward  acknowledged,  but  was  induced  to  renew  the 
contest,  believing  it  to  be  the  intention  of  his  antagonist  to 
sink.  The  Vengeance  now  arrived  at  Curacoa  in  a  very 
shattered  condition,  having  lost  in  the  engagement,  one  hun- 
dred killed  and  wounded,  and  all  her  masts  and  rigging  being 
'  nearly  shot  away.  Congress,  on  this  occasion  voted  Truxtun 
an  emblematic  medal,  for  his  gallantry  and  good  conduct. 

After  Mr.  Jefferson  entered  on  the  duties  of  the  presidential 
office,  <he  commodore  was  ordered  to  the  Mediterranean. 
From  some  cause  or  other,  he  declined  the  service,  and  his  re- 
signation was  accepted,  and  another  officer  succeeded  him. 
Considering  bis  resignation  as  temporary,  he  some  time  after- 
ward wished  to  resume  his  naval  command,  but  was  informed 
that,  as  his  resignation  had  been  final,  his  wishes  could  not  be 
gratified.  He  retired  to  Philadelphia,  to  enjoy  the  pleasing 
scenes  of  domestic  life,  until  1816,  when  the  citizens  of  the 
city  and  county  of  Philadelphia  evinced  their  respect  for  his 
various  services  rendered  them  in  the  most  perilous  times,  by 
electing  him  to  fill  the  important  office  of  sheriff,  the  duties  of 
which  he  has  discharged  so  far  with  general  satisfaction,  not- 
withstanding that  his  elevation  was  opposed  by  party  clamour 
and  prejudice."* 

*  American  Biographical  Dictionary, 


BIOGRAPHY 

OF 

GILBERT  MOTIER  L.A  FAYETTE, 

Uajor-Gencral  in  the  American  Continental  Army. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Introductory  remarks — La  Fayette's  birth  and  education — his  prospects  at 
the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary  struggle — he  embarks  in  it,  and 
arrives  in  the  United  States. 

The  illustrious  individual,  whose  life  and  character  form  the 
subject  of  the  following  pages,  has  claims  on  America  which 
have  always  been  felt  and  acknowledged ;  but  his  presence 
among  us  has  produced  sentiments  of  gratitude  and  venera- 
tion that  are  universal ;  which  animate  every  breast  and  warm 
every  heart.  Whilst  this  spontaneous  development  of  feeling, 
the  free-will  offering  of  a  great  and  powerful  people,  cannot 
fail  of  being  gratifying  to  him  on  whom  it  is  bestowed,  it  is 
highly  honourable  to  our  national  character.  But  there  are 
other  considerations,  connected  with  this  subject,  which  deserve 
more  attention;  we  allude  to  its  moral  and  political  influence. 

Will  it  hereafter  be  claimed  "that  republics  are  ungrateful?" 
that  a  free  people  are  capricious  and  unjust?  Let  the  sponta- 
neous homage  of  ten  millions  of  free-born  Americans  offered  to 
La  Fayette,  the  early  and  steadfast  friend  of  their  country, 
for  ever  put  at  rest  so  base  a  calumny.  Where  can  be  found  so 
sublime  and  impressive  a  scene  as  that  which  the  United  States 
now  presents?  It  is  in  vain  that  we  look  to  history  for  an  ex- 
ample; the  annals  of  the  world  afford  none;  it  is  an  event 
that  stands  alone.  The  triumphs  of  the  greatest  and  best  gen- 
erals of  Rome,  were  decreed  by  the  senate;  and,  if  they  were 
to  be  regarded  as  the  voluntary  act  of  the  people,  they  could 
only  be  considered  as  splendid  national  pageants,  wherein  grat- 
itude to  the  individual  to  whom  they  were  granted,  for  services 
V     55 


434  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTfc 

readered,  or  honor  conferred  on  his  country,  had  little  or-nc 
part;  and,  although  professedly  designed  in  honor  of  an  indi- 
vidual, the  feelings  manifested  were  national  pride  and  exulta- 
tion at  the  success  and  conquests  of  the  arms  of  the  republic.  If 
the  Roman  triumph  had  been  a  tribunal  of  gratitude,  it  could 
not  have  been  bestowed  on  such  men  as  Sylla  and  Marius,  who 
distracted  their  country  with  civil  wars,  and  drenched  -the 
streets  with  the  noblest  blood  of  Rome. 

In  modern  times,  and  in  that  country  which  gave  birth  to  the 
man  who  is  the  subject  of  this  work,  the  world  has  witnessed  a 
display  of  national  feeling  equally  unexampled  and  sublime;  it 
will  be  perceived  that  we  allude  to  the  return  of  the  exile  of 
Elba,  and  the  re-establishment  of  the  imperial  throne.  But 
the  return  of  Bonaparte  to  France,  and  the  visit  of  La  Fayette 
to  the  United  States,  are  entirely  dissimilar,  and  equally  un- 
paralleled. Like  the  Israelites  in  Egypt,  the  French  people 
were  groaning  under  oppression,  which  was  in  some  measure 
considered  of  foreign  origin,  as  it  had  been  established  by  for- 
eign bayonets-  Napoleon  therefore  was  regarded  as  a  deliverer, 
and  it  is  to  this  fact  that  the  enthusiasm  of  the  people  is  to  be 
attributed.  Feeling  humbled  at  the  degradation  of  the  nation 
and  exasperated  at  the  insolence  of  power  and  the  arrogance 
and  rapacity  of  the  old  nobility,  who  had  returned,  the  people 
flew  to  their  late  emperor  as  a  deliverer,  and  received  him  with 
open  arms  and  the  warmest  enthusiasm. 

The  reception  of  La  Fayette,  in  the  United  States,  was  en- 
tirely different ;  the  manifestation  of  feeling  was  of  a  different 
character,  and  proceeded  from  different  sources.  He  was  not 
received  as  a  conqueror,  nor  hailed  as  a  deliverer;  neither  is 
this  demonstration  of  feeling,  a  sudden  impulse  of  joy  or  pas- 
sion, for  any  recent  service  or  achievement  conferring  benefit 
or  honour  on  our  country;  but  it  is  a  sentiment  of  gratitude, 
deeply  implanted  in  the  breast,  and  revived  by  his  presence, 
for  the  most  distinguished  philanthrophy  and  disinterested  ser- 
vices, performed  nearly  half  a  century  ago,  and  which  contri- 
buted to  establish  the  independence  and  liberties  of  our  coun- 
try.    Ye  monarahs  and  lordlings  of  the  earth,  who   regard 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  435 

mankind  in  the  light  you  do  the  servants  of  your  household,  as 
the  mere  instruments  of  yonr  ambition  and  gratifications,  aban ; 
don,  for  a  moment,  your  schemes  of  ameliorating  the  condition 
of  your  people,  by  restricting  their  rights  and  privileges,  and 
checking  the  exuberance  of  liberty,  and  turning  your  attention 
to  America,  witness  the  reward  of  a  man  who  is  the  enemy  of 
tyrants  and  oppression,  and  whose  life  and  blood  have  been  de- 
voted to  the  cause  of  liberty  and  the  rights  of  mankind.  Be- 
hold, though  it  "blast  your  eye-balls,"  the  unbought  and  unbribed 
homage  of  a  free  and  great  people,  offered  to  their  benefactor, 
the  friend  of  America,  the  friend  of  liberty.  What  a  sublime 
spectacle,  to  witness  an  entire  nation,  after  the  lapse  of  half  a 
century,  opening  their  hearts  in  gratitude  and  honor  of  a  hero 
and  patriot,  who  had  assisted  to  break  the  chains  which  enslaved 
their  country,  and  to  establish  its  freedom!  How  unlike  the 
empty  pageant  of  coronations  and  royal  festivals,  where  a  con- 
strained homage  is  offered  by  slaves  to  their  masters;  who, 
whilst  receiving  honour  from  the  lips,  must  be  sensible  that  the 
heart  is  often  ready  to  break  forth  in  curses.  Can  the  moral 
and  political  effect  of  this  event  be  lost?  Will  it  not  have  an 
influence  in  Europe  on  all  enlightened  and  noble  minds,  with 
whom  the  respect  of  mankind  and  the  veneration  of  posterity, 
are  the  richest  reward  and  the  only  honourable  object  of  human 
ambition? 

As  America  has  been  the  theatre  of  the  earliest  and  most 
successful  exertions  of  La  Fayette  in  the  cause  of  liberty ;  and 
as  it  is  here  that  the  fruits  of  his  toils,  sacrifices  and  blood,  have 
ripened  to  maturity,  and  promise  to  be  as  lasting  as  his  renown; 
as  it  is  here  that  his  memory  will  be  cherished  and  revered  to 
the  latest  posterity,  it  seems  to  belong  to  America  to  perpetuate 
his  fame,  and  to  preserve  a  record  of  his  deeds  and  virtues. 
This  is  a  part  of  the  debt  of  gratitude  we  owe  him.  His  life, 
like  that  of  our  own  Washington,  should  be  put  into  the  hands  of 
our  youth  universally,  that  the  name  of  the  adopted  son  of  the 
"Father  of  his  Country,"  the  friend\)f  America  and  humanity, 
the  hero,  patriot,  and  philanthropist,  should  be  as  familiar,  in 
this,  his  adopted  country,  with  all  succeeding  generations,  as  it 


430  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

is  with  the  present:  so  that  the  respect  and  veneration  felt  for  it 
may  be  as  lasting  as  his  fame,  as  extensive  as  his  renown. 

The  ancient  province  of  Auvergne,  now  the  department  de 
la  Haute  Loire,  gave  birth  to  Gilbert  Motier,  Marquis  de 
La  Fayette.  He  was  born  on  the  6th  of  September,  1757.  at 
the  Chateau  de  Chavagnac,  situated  about  two  leagues  distance 
from  Brioude,  in  the  aforesaid  department.  Marshal  De  La 
Fayette,  one  of  the  ancestors  of  the  general,  sustained  a  great 
military  reputation,  and  Madame  De  La  Fayette,  a  relation  of 
his,  is  advantageously  known  in  the  literature  of  France.  His 
father  fell  in  the  battle  of  Rossbach,  on  tue  5th  of  November* 
1757,  surviving  the  birth  of  his  son  but  two  months. 

At  the  tender  age  of  seven  years,  young  Motier  was  sent  to 
the  College  of  Louis  Le  Grand,  at  Paris,  where  he  received  the 
rudiments  of  his  education.  How  long  he  remained  here  is 
uncertain;  but  at  the  early  period  of  fifteen,  he  was  enrolled 
among  the  Mousquetaires  du  Roi,  and  before  this  time  he  had 
been  made  one  of  the  pages  of  the  Queen  of  France.  From 
the  patronage  of  the  Queen,  he  soon  rose  to  the  rank  of  a 
commissioned  officer,  a  favor  seldom  conferred,  except  on  the 
sons  of  the  most  distinguished  of  the  nobility.  Young  Fayette 
was  in  every  respect  a  precocious  youth,  and  in  1774,  when  but 
17  years  of  age,  he  was  married  to  the  Countess  Anastasie  de 
Noailles,  daughter  of  the  duke  of  that  name:  considerations  of 
family  interest,  as  well  as  mutual  affection,  concurred  in  produ- 
cing this  union;  which,  whilst  it  made  him  happy  in  the  posses- 
sion of  an  amiable  and  accomplished  lady,  less  ennobled  from 
her  birth  than  the  goodness  of  her  heart  and  the  endowments  of 
her  mind,  largely  augmented  his  fortune,  which  before  was  suf- 
ficiently ample.  He  was  now  in  the  possession  of  an  estate  af- 
fording an  annual  income  of  more  than  1 50,000  francs,  a  princely 
fortune  at  that  time,  when  money  was  worth  much  more  than  it 
is  at  present. 

Such  was  the  situation  of  La  Fayette  when  the  contest  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  *her  American  colonies  began  to  at- 
tract the  attention  of  the  world ;  whilst  yet  in  a  state  of  minority, 
possessing  rank,  wealth,  the  favor  of  the  queen,  surrounded  by 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  431 

all  the  pleasures  of  a  luxurious  capital  and  volnptuous  court,  so 
seducing  to  youth,  and  happy  in  the  enjoyment  of  domestic  feli- 
city. The  fairest  prospects,  also, of  preferment  and  fame  were 
open  to  him;  so  that  whether  ambition  or  pleasure  was  the  gov- 
erning motive,  he  was  equally  surrounded  by  the  strongest  at- 
tractions conducing  to  confine  him  to  his  home  and  his  country. 
A  distant  people  are  struggling  for  their  rights;  the  hand  of 
oppression  bears  heavily  on  them ;  their  voice  has  crossed  the 
Atlantic,  and  reached  the  shores  of  France;  the  philanthropists 
and  friends  of  liberty  feel  a  deep  interest  in  the  cause  of  the 
sufferers,  and  their  most  lively  sympathies  are  excited.  Young 
La  Fayette,  whilst  surrounded  with  all  the  allurements  and  fas- 
cinations of  pleasure,  was  most  strongly  affected  with  this  noble 
sympathy;  his  benevolent  heart  and  ardent  mind  would  not  per- 
mit him  to  remain  merely  a  well-wisher  to  the  cause  of  inde- 
pendence and  liberty  in  America,  but  prompted  him  to  offer  his 
services  and  his  fortune  to  this  glorious  cause.  He  felt  that  the 
cause  of  the  Americans  was  just,  that  it  was  the  cause  of  liberty 
and  humanity.  He  did  not,  however,  act  from  the  impulse  of 
the  heart;  but  examined  the  subject,  and  made  himself  master 
of  the  controversy  between  the  colonies  and  their  parent  coun- 
try, which  satisfied  him  of  the  justice  of  the  cause  of  the  colo- 
nies, and  confirmed  him  in  the  determination  to  embark  in  it  as 
a  volunteer.  Accordingly  he  presented  himself  before  the 
American  Commissioners,  at  Paris,  and  acquainted  them  with 
his  intention  of  taking  a  part  in  the  contest,  if  his  services  should 
be  deemed  of  any  importance.  The  sagacity  of  Dr.  Franklin 
seldom  erred,  and  discovering  the  indications  of  valor  and  great- 
ness in  this  youthful  patriot,  his  offer  was  readily  accepted.  This 
was  in  1776,  and  not  long  after,  the  disastrous  intelligence 
reached  Europe  of  the  defeat  of  the  Americans  on  Long  Island, 
their  evacuation  of  New  York,  the  dispersion  of  the  American 
troops,  and  the  flight  of  the  small  remains  of  the  continental 
army  through  New  Jersey,  pursued  by  a  large  British  force, 
which  completely  annihilated  the  little  credit  the  Americans 
had  acquired  in  Europe.  It  was  supposed,  even  by  their  friends, 
that  the  cause  of  the  colonists  was  destroyed  in  the  bud;  the 


438  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

flame  of  liberty,  which  had  burst  forth  with  such  splendor,  m  ai 
believed  to  be  extinguished  by  the  first  blast  of  power,  like 
the  taper's  blaze.  Opinions  which  are  suddenly  formed,  and 
upon  superficial  knowledge,  are  as  suddenly  changed  or  given 
up,  and  from  very  slight  circumstances.  At  this  period  a  dark 
cloud  hung  over  the  destinies  of  America,  and  perhaps  of  the 
human  race,  as  it  is  uncertain  to  what  extent  the  latter  are  iden- 
tified with  the  former,  so  far  as  they  depend  on  civil  liberty, 
As  the  efforts  and  power  of  the  Americans  were  apparently 
crushed,  many  of  the  most  enlightened  and  patriotic  friends  of 
liberty  in  Europe,  began  to  think  that  they  had  attached  more 
importance  to  the  contest  than  it  deserved ;  that  the  movements 
which  had  taken  place  were  rather  to  be  attributed  to  the  zeal 
of  the  leaders,  and  the  sudden  exasperated  feelings  of  the  peo- 
ple, than  to  a  deep  sense  of  injustice,  or  any  definite  ideas  of 
their  political  rights,  or  settled  determination  to  maintain  them. 

So  unfavorable  and  extensive  was  the  influence  of  this  disas- 
trous intelligence,  that  the  American  Commissioners  at  Paris, 
had  not  sufficient  credit  to  procure  a  vessel  to  facilitate  the  en- 
terprize  of  La  Fayette,  and  under  such  circumstances,  they 
believed  that  justice  and  honor  required  them  to  dissuade  him 
from  his  undertaking  for  the  present.  But  their  efforts  were 
unavailing;  so  ardently  had  the  feelings  of  the  youthful  patriot 
become  enlisted  in  the  cause  of  America,  that  they  were  not  to 
be  stifled  by  the  reverses  which  it  had  experienced.  "I  have 
done  nothing,"  said  he  to  the  American  Commissioners,  "hith- 
erto, but  admire  your  cause;  but  now  I  mean  to  serve  it;  the 
more  hopeless  it  is  in  the  public  estimation,  the  more  honor  I 
shall  gain  by  espousing  its  interests.  Since  it  is  out  of  your 
power  to  procure  a  vessel,  I  will  purchase  and  equip  one  myself; 
and  I  take  upon  myself  to  be  the  bearer  of  your  despatches  to 
congress." 

It  is  impossible  sufficiently  to  admire  the  conduct,  and  duly 
to  appreciate  the  motives  of  La  Fayette ;  this  was  not  the  bold 
enterprize  of  an  adventurer,  who  had  nothing  to  lose,  and  little 
to  expect  at  home ;  neither  was  he  influenced  by  motives  of  am- 
bition, as  it  was  not  necessary  for  him  to  visit  a  foreign  country 


Marquis  db  la  fayette.  439 

for  distinction  or  preferment ;  but  it  was  his  love  of  liberty,  his 
devotion  to  the  cause  of  humanity,  with  the  desire  of  honorable 
fame,  that  led  him  to  become  the  youthful  champion  of  the 
cause  of  America;  and  foregoing  all  the  pleasures  of  the  capi- 
tal and  the  court,  and  the  more  substantial  enjoyments  of  do- 
mestic felicity,  to  devote  his  life  and  his  fortune  to  its  service. 
To  leave  such  enjoyments  and  prospects  at  home,  and  engage 
in  the  cause  of  a  distant  and  foreign  people,  at  a  time  too,  when 
that  cause  was  regarded  as  nearly  hopeless,  without  any  motive 
or  expectation  of  personal  advantage,  evinced  suoh  ardor  and 
devotion  to  liberty,  as  cannot  fail  of  exciting  the  admiration  of 
the  enlightened  and  patriotic,  of  all  succeeding  ages. 

The  intended  enterprize  of  La  Fayette  having  become 
known,  active  exertions  were  made  to  discourage  him,  and  de- 
feat it.  Some  were  actuated  from  real  friendship  to  him,  and 
others  from  a  secret  hostility  to  the  cause  in  which  he  was  about 
to  engage.  Among  other  reasons  urged  to  dissuade  him,  he 
was  told  that  the  king  would  be  seriously  displeased,  should  he 
interfere  in  a  matter  of  such  moment,  and  that  if  he  persisted, 
he  would  expose  himself  to  serious  consequences. 

But  the  most  difficult  and  delicate  point,  came  nearer  to  his 
heart.  How  could  he  separate  himself  from  a  young  and  af- 
fectionate wife,  to  whom  he  had  been  but  recently  united? 
This  was  the  most  trying  difficulty,  it  required  all  his  resolution 
and  philosophy.  It  was  impossible  to  believe  that  she  could  be 
induced  to  consent  to  a  measure  which  was  to  separate  her  from 
the  partner  of  her  bosom,  whom  she  so  tenderly  loved,  and  ex- 
pose him  to  the  perils  of  a  voyage,  and  the  more  certain  dangers 
of  war.  The  excitement,  and  almost  distraction  of  her  feel- 
ings, would  view  such  a  parting  in  the  light  of  a  final  separation. 
To  avoid  her  opposition,  and  perhaps  even  fearing  that  the  re- 
monstrances, the  tears  and  entreaties  of  a  beloved  wife,  might 
even  shake  the  firmness  of  his  purpose,  he  concealed  his  object 
from  her  as  much  as  possible ;  but  as  she  could  not  be  kept 
wholly  ignorant  of  his  movements,  he  caused  it  to  be  represented 
to  her,  that  he  was  going  to  America  on  a  private  mission,  and 
that  he  would  soon  return.     To  avoid  a  scene  which  would  be 


440  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

equally  distressing  to  both,  she  was  not  informed  of  his  depar- 
ture, until,  after  he  had  sailed.  He  purchased  and  equipped 
the  vessel  himself,  and  brought  out  a  quantity  of  military  stores, 
all  of  which  were  paid  for  from  his  private  funds. 

After  it  was  publicly  known  that  the  young  Marquis  intended 
to  embark  for  America,  the  government  made  a  show  of  oppo- 
sition to  it;  and  orders  were  actually  issued  to  prevent  his  sail- 
ing. This,  however,  was  only  an  instance  of  the  Machiavelian 
policy  of  courts,  intended  to  deceive  the  British  minister,  and 
to  preserve  the  appearance  of  neutrality.  It  is  not,  however, 
to  be  supposed,  that  the  British  cabinet  was  deceived  by  this  du- 
plicity ;  they  were  aware  of  the  secret  views  and  designs  of  the 
French  government,  with  respect  to  America.  But  the  profes- 
sions and  appearances  of  neutrality,  as  long  as  they  could  be 
kept  up,  were  necessary  to  prevent,  or  at  least  postpone,  a  rup- 
ture with  Britain.  And  although  the  cabinet  of  Great  Britain 
was  fully  sensible  of  the  secret  designs  of  France,  and  aware 
that  her  government  connived  at  the  enterprizes  of  its  citizens, 
they  wished  to  avoid  a  rupture  with  her  if  possible. 

France  and  Great  Britain,  if  not  ancient  and  natural  enemies, 
as  is  often  considered,  had  long  been  rivals,  and  jealous  of  each 
other's  power.  After  a  long  and  obstinate  contest,  a  peace  had 
a  few  years  previous,  been  concluded  between  them,  less  for 
the  purpose  of  maintaining  tranquility  than  that  of  recovering 
strength,  and  preparing  to  renew  hostilities,  when  it  could  be 
more  advantageously  done.  It  would  be  natural  to  believe, 
therefore,  that  France,  standing  in  this  situation  towards  Great 
Britain,  being  jealous  of  her  growing  power  in  America,  would 
view  with  secret  satisfaction,  the  difficulties  between  this  pow- 
erful rival  and  her  American  colonies,  which  had  been  increa- 
sing since  1764,  and  had  finally  terminated  in  an  open  rupture. 
In  the  late  war,  which  had  been  principally  carried  on  in  Amer- 
ica, France  became  too  well  acquainted  with  the  immense  im- 
portance to  Britain,  of  her  colonies,  and  how  largely  they  con- 
tributed to  carrying  on  hostilities,  not  to  be  sensible  that  their 
separation  from  Britain,  would  be  the  loss  of  the  right  arm  of 
her  power.     As  the  rival  and  enemy  of  Britain,  she  felt  a  strong 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE!  4<4l 

interest  in  favor  of  the  Americans;  but  was  unwilling  to  com- 
promit  her  peace  with  that  power,  until  the  progress  of  events 
might  afford  stronger  assurance  of  the  stability  and  ultimate 
success  of  the  American  cause.  It  being  the  policy  of  the 
French  government,  therefore,  to  assist  the  Americans,  yet  at 
the  same  time  to  keep  up  the  appearances  of  neutrality,  until 
matters  should  arrive  at  such  maturity,  as  to  dictate  a  different 
line  of  conduct,  the  ministry  could  not  openly  approve  of  the 
enterprize  of  the  Marquis,  who  held  a  place  in  the  royal  house- 
hold, although  they  secretly  encouraged  it,  whilst  they  adopted 
public  measures,  with  the  ostensible  view  of  preventing  it. 
The  slightest  knowledge  of  the  strict  police  of  the  old  govern- 
ment of  Franee,  under  Louis  XV.  and  his  successor,  would 
prevent  the  belief  for  a  moment,  that  the  Marquis  could  have 
embarked  in  a  foreign  enterprize,  of  a  military  nature,  if  the 
government  had  been  disposed  to  prevent  it. 

On  the  19th  of  April,  1777,  La  Fayette  arrived  at  Charles- 
ton, South  Carolina,  and  proceeded  immediately  to  lay  before 
Congress,  then  in  session  at  Philadelphia,  the  despatches  and 
letters  which  had  been  entrusted  to  him,  by  the  American  Com- 
missioners at  Paris.  His  language,  on  presenting  himself  to 
Congress,  was  worthy  of  the  object  of  his  mission,  and  the 
character  which  he  has  since  acquired; — "I  am  come,"  said  he, 
to  request  two  favors  of  this  house:  the  one,  to  serve  in  your 
army  in  the  capacity  of  a  volunteer;  the  other,  to  receive  no 
pay."  That  enlightened  body  duly  appreciatcd^the  noble  and 
disinterested  conduct  of  this  youthful  patriot,  and  were  fully 
sensible  of  the  influence  it  might  have  on  the  cause  confided  to 
their  wisdom.  Considering  his  rank  and  family,  his  connexion 
with  the  French  government,  the  strong  recommendations  of 
the  American  Commissioner,  and  above  ali,  his  distinguished 
patriotism,  Congress,  in  July  following,  adopted  the  following 
resolution: — "Whereas,  the  Marquis  La  Fayette,  in  conse- 
quence of  his  ardent  zeal  for  the  cause  of  liberty,  in  which  the 
United  States  are  engaged,  has  left  his  family  and  friends,  and 
crossed  the  ocean  at  his  own  expense,  to  offer  his  servicers  to 
the  United  States,  without  wishing  to  accept  pf  any  pension  or 

,56 


*    2 


142  MARQriS  f*E  LA  FAYETTfc. 

par  whatsoever;  and  as  he  earnestly  desires  to  engage  in  our 
cause.  Congress  have  resolved  that  his  services  be  accepted,  and 
that  in  consideration  of  his  patriotism,  his  family,  and  illu? 
trious  relations,  he  shall  hold  the  rank  and  commission  of  Major 
General,  in  the  army  of  the  United  States." 

Thus  were  the  fortunes  of  a  young  nobleman,  whilst  yet  in  a 
state  of  minority,  possessing  wealth,  rant,  powerful  friends,  and 
in  a  word,  every  thing  to  endear  him  to  home  and  to  his  country, 
connected  with  those  of  America,  in  the  doubtful  contest  in 
which  she  was  engaged,  for  her  independence  and  liberty.  It 
might  be  too  much  to  say,  that  this  event  had  a  decisive  influ- 
ence on  the  destiny  of  both;  but  that  it  had  an  important  one. 
cannot  now  be  doubted.  The  fate  of  nations  has  often  depended 
on  events  less  important  than  this.  The  example  of  La  Fay- 
ette, and  the  distinguished  honor  he  acquired,  had  a  powerful 
influence  on  his  countrymen;  the  cause  of  America  became 
popular  in  France;  a  patriotic  ardor  was  excited,  and  so  manv 
were  emulous  to  engage  in  the  American  service,  that  the  Com 
missioners  at  Paris  were  in  no  small  degree  embarrassed  from 
the  number  of  applications.  The  exertions  and  influence  of 
the  Marquis,  and  his  numerous  friends  at  home,  must  in  some 
degree,  have  contributed  to  the  assistance  afforded  by  France 
to  the  States;  and  his  patriotic  conduct,  and  unbounded  liber- 
ality, devoting  both  his  services  and  his  fortune  to  the  cause.* 
had  a  happy  influence  in  America.  But  whatever  effect  this 
'event  may  have  had  on  the  glorious  revolution  with  which  it  is 
connected,  there  can  be  little  doubt  of  its  happy  influence  on 
the  life  and  character  of  the  Marquis;  it  fixed  his  character, 
Confirmed  his  principles,  and  made  him  one  of  the  most  distin- 
guished patriots  of  his  own,  or  any  other  age.  Had  he  never 
served  in  the  United  States,  he  would  undoubtedly  have  been 
a  patriot  in  his  feelings  and  opinions,  and  a  friend  of  popular 
rights;  but  it  is  by  no  means  certain  that  he  would  have  been  a 
republican  in  his  principles,  or  so  ardently  devoted  to  civil  lib- 
erty. A  man's  principles  do  not  operate  with  full  force,  when 
they  depend  on  speculative  ideas;  it  is  only  by  devoting  our  tal- 
ents, our  services,  our  blood  or  fortunes,  to  the  defence  o(  prin 


i 


.vIARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  41- 

ciplcs,  that  causes  them  to  be  revered,  or  their  truth  and  im- 
portance justly  appreciated.  The  American  Revolution  was  a 
school  of  liberty;  and  its  instructions  made  a  lasting  impression 
on  the  minds  of  all  engaged  in  it;  and  on  none  more  than  the 
adopted  son  of  Washington. 


CHAPTER  II. 

•Congress  gives  a  commission  to'La  Fayette,  ami  he  joins  the  arm v— Sketch  oJ 
(the  events  of  the  war — Battle  of  Brandy  v.jne,  in  which  La  "f'ayeite  was 
wounded — lie  defeats  a  party  of  Hessians  and  grenadiers  in  Netf  Jersey — 
nas  the  command  of  a  division  assigned  him — are  disciplined,  armed  and 
equipped  by  himself — Sketches  of  the  events  of  the  war — situation  ot  the 
American  Army  at  Valley  Forge — Exertion^  and  inductee  of  La  Fayette, 
to  allay  jealousies  towards  the  commander-in-chief. 

Washington  had  a  wonderful  sagacitv  and  discrimination,  as 
to  the  character  and  qualities  of  men,  and  he  at  once  received 
the  most  favorable  impressions  frc*n  the  yousg  volunteer:  his 
unobtrusive  .deportment,  his  modest  assurance,  and  his  sincerity, 
afforded  a  presage  of  his  future  character.  He  possessed  in  an 
unusual  degree  the  rare  qualities  of  securing  the  affections 
of  all  who  knew  him.  Washington  immediately  became  ar- 
dently attached  to  him;  and  admitted  him  into  his  own  family 
as  his  adopted  son.  He  declined  for  some  time  to  assume  the 
commission  and  rank  assigned  him  by  Congress;  and  when 
urged  by  Washington  to  do  it,  he  replied,  "that  he  was  not  as 
yet  capable  of  discharging  the  duties  of  so  important  a  post; 
that  he  must  begin  by  being  instructed  himself,  and  by  learning 
to  obey,  beford  he  took  upon  himself  to  command."  This  rea- 
sonable diffidence  in  himself,  considering  his  youth  and  want  of 
experience,  whilst  it  increased  the  confidence  of  Washington  in 
his  abilities,  was  calculated  to  allay  the  jealousy,  and  secure  the 
esteem  of  all  his  associates  inarms. 

The  young  Marquis  repaired  to  the  American  camp  inNcw- 
.ferscy,  to  take  a  part  in  the  strife  of  arms;  he  immediately 
showed  a  promptitude  and  readiness  in  attention  to  duty;  he 
examined  whatever  was  within  his  observation,  and  applied 


ill  31ARQITS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

himself  with  great  diligence,  to  obtain  information  of  evei  r 
thing  concerning  the  service,  and  the  condition  and  resotu 
of  the  country.  By  accepting  the  numerous  invitations  given 
him,  he  soon  became  acquainted  with  the  officers,  and  from  his 
frank  and  unassuming  deportment,  and  easy  and  agreeable 
manners, he  acquired  many  friends.  His  characteristic  gener- 
osity, soon  began  to  display  itself;  on  learning  the  wants  of 
General  Moultrie,  ha  sent  him  complete  uniforms  and  equip- 
ments for  one  hnndred  and  fifty  soldiers  under  his  command. 

As  it  was  in  the  American  revolutionary  war,  that  the  char- 
acter of  La  Fayette  was  formed,  and  his  principles  established 
as  that  was  the  theatre  of  his  first  and  most  successful  exertions 
in  the  cause  of  liberty,  and  as  this  portion  of  his  life  is  most  in- 
teresting to  Americans,  and  at  this  time  secures  to  him  the  uni- 
ted homage  of  the  entire  population  of  our  country,  it  becomes 
necessary  to  detai\  such  of  the  events  of  that  memorable  con- 
test, as  will  do  justice  w  the  exertions  and  merit  of  our  youth- 
ful hero. 

The  rising  sun  of  the  American  revolution,  which  beamed 
with  so  much  eifulgcnce  at  Bunker's  Hill,  was  soon  overcast  wilh 
impervious  clouds,  The  blood  which  drenched  the  soil  of  Lex- 
ington, electrified  the  country,  and  the  people  were  ready  to 
rush  to  arms,  to  avenge  their  injured  countrymen,  aud  to  pun- 
ish so  daring  an  outrage  on  tha  rights  of  freemen.  The  militia 
of  Massachusetts,  Connecticut  and  New  Hampshire,  collected 
at  Boston,  and  the  heights  of  "Bunker's  Hill  first  signalized  their 
valor  to  the  astonishment  of  the  mercenaries  of  Britain.  The 
seat  of  war  being  transferred  to  New  York,  the  militia  concen- 
trated at  that  place,  and  Washington,  near  the  close  of  the  year 
1776,  found  himself  at  the  head  of  a  numerous  body  of  men, 
hastily  levied,  without  experience  or  discipline,  and  in  a  consid- 
erable degree  without  equipments  or  arms.  Little  reliance 
could  be  placed  on  such  a  force,  and  if  possible  its  efficiency 
was  less  than  the  moderate  expectation  of  the  commander-in* 
chief.  The  unfortunate  attempt  to  defend  New  York,  sool 
dispersed  this  la/ge  nominal  force. 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  445 

The  fatigues  and  hardships  of  the  camp,  even  in  a  few  weeks* 
cooled  the  ardor  that  had  been  raised,  and  as  their  term  of  ser- 
vice was  short,  the  militia  returned  home  as  hastily  as  they  had 
collected,  and  Washington  was  left  with  the  small  wreck  of  an 
undisciplined  force,  with  which  he  was  compelled  to  ily  from 
place  to  place,  through  New-Jersey.  Rapidly  pursued  by 
Cornwallis,  Washington's  escape  at  Newark,  Brunswick,  Prince- 
ton and  Trenton  must  be  regarded  as  almost  miraculous.  Noth- 
ing but  the  dilatory  measures  and  blunders  of  General  Howe, 
saved  the  small  remnant  of  the  continental  army;  which  after 
crossing  the  Delaware,  amounted  to  no  more  than  seventeen 
hundred  men;  the  Jersey,  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  militia 
having  abandoned  him  the  moment  their  term  of  service  ex- 
pired, and  although  it  was  apparent  that  the  country  was  in  the 
most  critical  situation,  yet  no  considerations  would  induce  them 
to  stay  a  single  day.  Availing  themselves  of  their  successes, 
and  the  despondency  and  alarm  which  had  been  spread  through 
the  colonies,  the  two  Howes  issued  a  proclamation  in  the  name 
of  his  Britannic  Majesty,  commanding  all  persons  to  desist  from 
acts  of  treason  and  rebellion,  and  promising  a  free  pardon  to 
all  who  should  return  to  their  business  and  their  homes.  This 
proclamation  had  an  astonishing  effect  on  men  of  weak  nervep, 
easy  principles,  and  large  fortunes;  thousands  who  had  been 
ardent  in  the  cause,  abandoned  it  in  this  hour  of  despondency; 
and  thinking  only  of  the  security  of  their  persons  and  property, 
they  began  to  view  the  subject  of  dispute  in  a  new  light,  and 
thought  that  the  conduct  of  mpther  Britain  was  not  so  bad  as 
to  justify  involving  the  country  in  the  dreadful  evils  of  a  civil 
war.  This  was  the  darkest  day  in  the  American  revolution ; 
the  hearts  of  all  real  patriots  sunk  within  them,  yet  they  did 
not  despair;  but  with  a  large  portion  of  the  people,  the  contest 
was  considered  as  decided,  and  it  certainly  was  by  the  British. 
Congress  was  without  an  army;  without  acent  in  the  treasury, 
and  apparently  no  prospect  of  recruiting  either;  buC  what  was 
more  alarming,  the  confidence  of  the  nation  was  destroyed,  and 
the  spirit  that  had  animated  the  people  was  gone,  which  para- 
lysed all  exertion.  What  remained  but  Hope  and  the  protec- 
tion of  Providence? 


140  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

It  was  at  this  gloomy  period  that  the  young  French  .patriot \ 
fully  aware  of  these  alarming  circumstances,  and  against  the 
dissuasions  of  the  American  commissioners,  engaged  In  the 
cause  of  American  independence  and  liberty,  at  the  very  time 
when  it  was  forsaken  at  home  by  thousands  who  had  embraced 
it.  This  honourable  conduct  in  a  foreigner,  contrasted  with 
that  of  those  Americans,  who  in  the  day  of  adversity  were  ready 
to  abandon  the  cause  of  freedom  and  their  country,  served  to 
exhibit  the  disgracefulness  and  criminality  of  the  latter,  in  a  more 
glaring  light. 

But  Washington  did  not  believe,  as  he  informed  Col.  Reed, 
*  that  his  neck  was  made  for  a  halter;"  he  did  not  despair  of  the 
republic;  and  having  increased  his  force  to  about  live  thousand, 
principally  however  raw  militia,  he  recrossed  the  Delaware,  and 
surprised  and  captured  near  one  thousand  Hessians.  This  event, 
which  revived  the  despondent  spirit  of  the  Americans,  was  soon 
followed  by  his  almost  miraculous  escape  at  Trenton,  which 
turned  to  his  own  advantage,  and  terminated  in  the  defeat  of  the 
enemy  at  Princeton.  These  events  revived  the  hopes  if  not  the 
confidence  of  the  most  despondent,  and  threw  a  shade  of  light 
over  the  dark  prospect  which  prevailed. 

So  small  and  inefficient  however  were  the  American  forces, 
that  Washington  was  unable  to  undertake  any  other  enterprize; 
he  retired  to  Morristown,  where  he  remained  during  the  win- 
ter, depending  for  his  security,  less  on  his  numbers  and  strength, 
than  the  ignorance  of  General  Howe  of  his  weakness;  which 
was  so  great,  that  at  some  periods,  he  could  not  have  mustered 
rive  hundred  men  iit  for  duty. 

]STotwithstanding  the  successful  affairs  at  Trenton  and  at 
Princeton,  the  cause  was  considered  still  as  nearly  hopeless.— 
Nothing  but  a  desperate  cause  could  have  occasioned,  or  affor- 
ded even  the  semblance  of  justification,  for  the  extraordinary 
measures  of  Congress:  it  is  only  a  desperate  cause  that  requires 
desperate  remedies.  Congress  conferred  on  Washington,  su- 
preme authority  in  every  thing  which  related  to  the  conduct  and 
management  of  the  war;  and  not  only  so,  but  to  "arrest  and 
confine  persons  who  refused  to  take  the  continental  currency. 


Marquis  de  la  fayette.  447 

x?r  were  otherwise  disaffected  to  the  American  cause."  To 
Create  a  dictator,  and  to  authorize  him  to  arrest  and  imprison 
persons  who  refused  to  take  a  fictitious  currency,  that  they 
might  conscientiously  believe  to  be  without  value,  and  likewise 
to  arrest  those  whom  he  might  suspect  ot  disaffection,  were  truly 
desperate  measures,  and  not  very  consistent  with  the  object  in 
view ;  they  aiford  the  strongest  evidence  that  Congress  regarded 
the  cause  as  a  forlorn  one.  Such  was  the  condition  of  the  coun- 
try, and  the  progress  that  had  been  made  in  the  war,  in  the 
spring  of  1777,  when  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette  arrived  in 
America.  His  zeal  in  the  cause  of  liberty  must  have  been 
fervent  indeed,  to  induce  him  to  forego  so  many  flattering  pros- 
pects at  home,  to  engage  in  acontest  so  doubtful  and  discouraging, 
not  to  say  desperate,  and  that  contest  not  his  own,  or  of  his  own 
country. 

At  the  opening  of  the  spring  campaign,  Washington  had  but; 
between  four  and  five  thousand  men,  whilst  Gen.  Howre  had 
nearly  thirty  thousand:  a  fearful  odds  in  a  struggle  for  the  inde- 
pendence and  liberty  of  a  country.  The  American  troops 
were  in  want  of  every  thing,  and  Washington  had  no  money  to 
provide  the  necessary  supplies:  in  this  emergency  Fayette 
presented  him  with  sixty  thousand  francs.  Washington  was 
greatly  affected  at  such  generosity.  Howe,  on  retiring  from 
the  Jerseys,  took  a  station  on  Statcn  Island,  and  after  various 
manoeuvres  intended  to  deceive  Washington  as  to  his  destination, 
sailed  for  the  Chesapeake  with  a  fleet  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
ships,  and  disembarked  histroops,amounting  to  sixteen  thousand* 
at  the  head  of  Elk  River;  from  whence  they  marched  toward  the 
Brandywine  on  the  route  to  Philadelphia.  Washington,  after 
various  marches  and  countermarches,  in  consequence  of  his 
perplexity  as  to  the  destination  of  Howe,  as  soon  as  he  learn* 
of  his  arrival  in  the  Chesapeake,  marched  his  troops,  amounting 
to  about  seven  thousand,  to  oppose  his  progress.  Supposing 
that  the  enemy  would  attempt  to  cross  the  Brandywine,  at 
Chad's  ford,  he  posted  the  main  strength  of  his  army  at  that 
place;  whilst  one  thousand  men  occupied  the  opposite  hill,  on 
which  a  slight  breast-work  had  been  thrown  up  on  the  njght  of 


448  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

the  lQlh  of  September.  On  the  morning  of  the  1 1th,  by  dawn 
of  light,  the  British  army  advanced  in  two  columns,  the  lef( 
under  Cornwnllis,  and  the  right  under  Knyphauscn.  The  latter 
perceiving  that  he  could  not  cross  without  dislodging  the  Amer- 
icans posted  on  the  hill  under  General  Maxwell,  ordered  a 
detachment  to  attack  them,  which  Maxwell  repulsed;  but  the 
detachment  being  reinforced,  and  another  party  proceeding  to 
attack  his  flank,  the  American  general  retreated  and  crossed  the 
river  with  little  loss,  not  being  pursued  by  the  enemy.  The 
judicious  dispositions  made  by  Washington  to  prevent  Cornwallis 
from  crossing  the  ford,  were  countermanded  in  consequence  of 
erroneous  information  that  the  enemy  was  not  marching  in  that 
direction;  by  which  means  Cornwallis's  division  crossed  without 
opposition,  and  the  Americans  were  first  informed  oC  it,  by  the 
movements  of  the  enemy,  to  turn  their  right  flank  under  General 
Sullivan.  A  short  engagement  ensued,  which  resulted  in  the 
route  of  the  Americans,  who  retreated  in  great  confusion.  Gen. 
Greene  was  despatched  to  the  aid  of  Sullivan,  and  although  he 
inarched  four  miles  in  forty  minutes,  he  arrived  only  in  season 
to  cover  the  retreat  of  the  routed  and  flying  troops.  Taking 
advantage  of  the  engagement  with  Cornwallis,  Knyphauscn 
crossed  Chad's  ford,  and  attacked  Wayne  and  Maxwell  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  stream,  who  were  compelled  to  retire  and 
abandon  their  batteries  and  cannon. 

Greene  who  was  pursued  by  Cornwallis,  made  a  stand  at  a 
defile  about  one  mile  from  the  scene  of  action;  the  troops  under 
his  command  consisted  of  Weedon's  Virginia  brigade,  and  Col. 
Stewart's  Pennsylvania  regiment.  This  narrow  pass  Greene 
was  determined  to  defend;  Cornwallis  came  up  about  an  hour 
by  sun,  when  a  contest  commenced  which  was  terminated  only 
by  the  darkness  of  the  night.  The  action  wras  fought  with  the 
most  determined  bravery  on  both  sides:  no  troops  ever  behaved 
better,  or  displayed  more  cool  intrepidity  than  the  Americans 
under  Greene  who  sustained  the  heat  of  the  action.  This  action 
lias  become  memorable  from  its  being  the  first  in  which  La  Fay- 
ette was  engaged,  and  the  first  in  which  he  shed  his  blood  in  thr 
envtse  of  liberty.      He  behaved   with  the  coolness  of  an  old 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  449 

veteran;  animated  by  his  example,  his  brigade  made  a  vigorous 
charge  on  the  enemy,  but  was  repulsed;  he  exerted  himself  to 
rally  them,  and  lead  them  again  to  the  charge,  but  without 
success.  He  was  in  the  hottest  of  the  tight,  and  was  wounded 
by  a  musket  ball  in  the  leg,  but  would  not  retire  or  dismount 
from  his  horse  to  have  his  wound  dressed,  but  continued  at  his 
post  during  the  whole  engagement,  and  displayed  the  coolness, 
valour,  and  presence  of  mind  of  a  veteran  soldier.  Several 
other  celebrated  foreigners  were  engaged  in  this  battle;  among 
the  number  was  the  Polish  Count,  Pulaski,  who  carried  off  Kii;g 
Stanislaus  from  his  capital;  he  so  highly  distinguished  himself, 
that  he  was  promoted  by  Congress  to  be  commander  of  the  cav- 
alry, and  brigadier  general.  About  this  period  his  still  more 
distinguished  countryman,  the  Polish  patriot  and  hero,  Kosci- 
usko, arrived  in  this  country,  also  a  volunteer  in  the  cause  of 
Liberty.  At  this  time  too,  M.  de  Coudray,  a  French  officer  of 
eminent  rank  and  talents,  an  enthusiast  in  the  cause  of  Liberty 
arrived  in  America;  and  who  soon  afterward  was  unfortunately 
drowned  in  attempting  to  ford  the  Schuylkill.  La  Fayette  after 
the  battle,  was  conveyed  to  Philadelphia,  but  on  the  advance  of 
the  enemy,  he  was  obliged  to  retire  to  the  mountains  for  security. 
The  Baron  de  St.  Ouary,  a  distinguished  French  officer  was 
taken  prisoner. 

The  result  of  this  battle,  considering  the  number  and  descrip- 
tion of  troops  engaged  on  both  sides,  the  Americans  being 
greatly  inferior  in 'both  respects,  could  not  furnish  any  just 
cause  of  exultation  on  the  part  of  the  British.  Our  loss  in 
killed,  wounded  and  prisoners  exceeded  twelve  hundred;  and 
theirs  amounted  to  about  eight.  The  British  however  contrived 
to  magnify  its  importance,  and  thus  to  multiply  the  number  of 
its  partizans  throughout  Pennsylvania,  which  increased  the 
embarrassments  of  the  continental  army,  whilst  it  facilitated 
the  plans  of  Howe. 

Washington  retired  to  Chester,  towards  Philadelphia,  where 
he  rallied  his  forces,  and  intended  still  to  dispute  the  entrance 
of  the  British  into  Philadelphia.  Had  the  British  general 
foljowed  up  his  advantages,  instead  of  remaining  three  days, 

57 


460  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

the  situation  of  the  Americans  would  have  been  very  critical, 
and  perhaps  the  contest  have  been  decided;  he  might  easily 
have  overtaken  our  army  at  Chester,  before  Washington  had 
had  time  to  rally  his  troops,  or  reinforce;  or  he  might  have 
pushed  on  and  reached  Philadelphia  before  him.  But  the  evil 
genius  of  Howe  concurred  with  the  exertion  and  skill  of  Wash- 
ington, for  the  salvation  of  America.  The  two  armies  again 
met  on  the  17th,  near  Warren  Tavern,  on  the  Lancaster  road, 
and  were  again  about  to  contest  the  possession  of  Philadelphia, 
with  fearful  odds,  on  the  part  of  the  British,  who  were  flushed 
with  recent  victory.  But  that  power  who  rides  on  the  wind 
and  directs  the  storm,  ha*d  ordered  otherwise;  a  tremendous 
storm,  accompanied  with  torrents  of  rain,  compelled  the  hostile 
parties  to  separate,  a  few  minutes  after  the  commencement  of 
the  engagement.  On  the  following  day,  Washington  moved  off 
towards  Reading,  ordering  Wayne  to  remain  in  the  rear  of  the 
enemy,  who,  on  the  night  of  the  20th,  was  surprised  by  a  de- 
tachment of  the  enemy,  and  sustained  a  serious  loss. 

Sir  William  Howe,  having  succeded  by  his  manoeuvres  and 
movements  in  drawing  Washington  to  a  distance  from  the  city, 
suddenly  crossed  the  Schuylkill,  and  entered  Philadelphia  in 
triumph  on  the  26th,  without  opposition.  The  congress  had 
adjourned  on  the  18th,  to  Lancaster,  and  from  thence  they  soon 
repaired  to  Yorktown. 

Washington  moved  with  his  army  to  Skippack  Creek,  about 
sixteen  miles  from  Gerrnantown;  where  being  reinforced  by 
2,500  men,  on  the  3d  October,  he  advanced  to  attack  the  ene- 
my's encampment  at  Gerrnantown.  Early  on  the  morning  of 
the  4th,  the  Americans  commenced  the  attack:  it  was  unexpected 
by  the  enemy,  and  our  troops  would  probably  have  gained  a 
decisive  victory,  had  it  not  been  for  the  unfortunate  detention 
of  the  main  army,  to  attack  Chew's  stone  house,  into  which  a 
party  of  the  enemy  had  retreated  for  refuge.  While  the  main 
division  of  the  army  was  thus  detained,  about  what  was  of  little 
or  no  consequence  as  to  the  principal  object,  the  enemy  had 
time  to  make  their  dispositions;  and  the  column  under  General 
^refine,  came  up  and  engaged  the  right  wing  of  the  enemy:  a 


MARQUIS  DE'LA  FAYETTE.  451 

i 

spirited  contest  ensued,  in  which  the  Americans  for  some  time 
had  the  advantage.  The  contest  was  very  hotly  kept  up  for  a 
considerable  time;  but  at  length,  the  Americans  were  compelled 
to  give  way  in  every  direction;  and  as  they  were  retreating, 
Cornwallis  came  up  with  a  squadron  of  horse,  which  routed  and 
threw  them  into  great  confusion.  Our  loss  was  severe,  amouri- 
ting  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  to  about  eleven  hundred; 
among  the  killed  was  General  Nash  of  North  Carolina.  The 
enemy's  loss  in  killed  and  Wounded  was  eight  hundred. 

La  Fayette,  impatient  of  confinement,  and  anxious  again  to 
be  in  the  field,  before  his  wound  was  healed,  proceeded  to  join 
General  Greene  in  New  Jersey.  Having  obtained  the  command 
of  a  small  body  of  militia,  in  conjunction  with  Colonel  Butler, 
who  had  a  rifle  corps  of  about  the  same  number,  on  the  25th  oF 
November,  whilst  attempting  to  reconnoitre  the  position  of  the 
enemy  he  fell  in  with  a  detachment  of  about  three  hundred 
men,  consisting  of  Hessian  and  British  Grenadiers.  A  spirited 
engagement  immediately  followed;  the  enemy  were  soon  routed 
and  fled,  with  the  loss  of  twenty  or  thirty  killed,  and  a  number 
wounded,  and  were  pursued  to  their  camp. 

General  Greene,  in  noticing  this  encounter,  spoke  in  very 
flattering  terms  of  La  Fayette; — -"  The  Marquis,"  he  observed, 
seemed  to  search  for  danger,  and  was  charmed  with  the  behaviour 
of  his  men."  In  his  letter  to  Washington,  La  Fayette  remarked : 
"  I  found  the  riflemen  superior,  even  to  their  own  high  reputa* 
m  tion;  and  the  militia  surpassed  all  the  expectations  I  could  have 
formed  of  them."  An  account  of  this  victory  was  transmitted 
to  the  congress,  by  Washington,  who  were  so  sensible  of  the 
merit  of  La  Fayette,  that  they  immediately  promoted  him  to 
the  command  of  a  division.  This  consisted  at  first  of  twelve 
hundred  young  men,  which  was  afterwards  increased  to  two 
thousand.  They  were  disciplined  ajnd  instructed  by  their  young 
general,  who  was  so  delighted  with,  and  so  diligent  in  attending  to 
the  duties  of  his  new  situation,  that  he  scarcely  allowed  himself 
time  for  sleep  or  refreshment. 

The  troops  under  his  immediate  charge,  formed  a  distinct 
co^ps,  and  were  peculiarly  his.     They  were  not  only  formed  an.d 


452  MARQUIS  DE  LA   FAYETTE. 

disciplined  by  him,  but  the  soldiers  were  armed  and  equipped 
at  his  own  expense;  he  also  presented  each  ofiicer  with  an  ele- 
gant sword  and  belt.  These,  and  other  acts  of  munificence  in 
promoting  the  objects  of  the  war,  had  reduced  his  funds  so  low 
that  he  was  under  the  necessity  of  sending  to  France  for  addi- 
tional supplies.  His  assiduity  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  his 
attention  to  the  Avants  of  every  soldier,  his  unbounded  liberality, 
and  his  engaging  manners,  rendered  him  beloved  and  respected 
by  almost  every  man  under  his  immediate  command.  Although 
bur  a  youth  himself,  he  was  literally  the  father  of  the  troops  he 
commanded,  he  was  truly  the  soldier's  friend.  He  has  since  de- 
clared that  he  never  was  so  truly  happy  as  when  engaged  in  these 
delightful  employments,  and  surrounded  by  his  friends,  a  term  of 
endearment  which  he  applied  to  those  under  his  immediate  charge. 

Apparently  trifling  incidents  often  open  the  heart  of  a  man, 
and  unfold  his  dispositions  more  than  great  events.  About  this 
period  a  circumstance  occurred  too  honorable  to  the  heart  of 
La  Fayette,  to  be  omitted.  "While  inspecting  the  camp,  he 
beheld  a  man  wretched  in  his  dress,  and  miserable  and  dejected 
in  his  appearance,  seated  at  the  foot  of  a  tree,  his  face  covered 
with  his  hands,  and  his  elbows  resting  on  his  knees;  he  seemed 
an  object  of  such  deep#  melancholy  and  distress  as  attracted  the 
attention  of  the  general;  who,  after  listening  for  some  moments 
to  his  sighs,  inquired  in  that  feeling  and  interesting  manner  so 
peculiar  to  him,  the  cause  of  his  grief.  The  unhappy  man  re- 
plied that  he  had  lately  joined  the  army,  leaving  a  young  wife  • 
and  two  small  children  at  home,  who  were  entirely  dependent 
on  him  for  sustenance,  and  that  the  fears  of  their  suffering  during 
his  absence,  filled  his  heart  with  sorrow.  La  Fayette,  after 
hearing  his  story,  inquired  his  name  and  place  of  residence, 
and  told  him  not  to  grieve,  as  his  family  should  be  provided  for, 
which  promise  he  neither  forgot  nor  disregarded. 

The  Americans  had  attempted  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of 
the  Delaware,  by  chevaux-de-frise,  fire-ships  and  forts,  and  to 
cut  off  the  communication  between  the  fleet  and  army  of  the 
enemy,  which  would  have  rendered  their  situation  at  Philadel- 
phia very  critical.     The  two  Howes  being  sensible  of  this,  made 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  153 

exertions  corresponding  to  the  importance  of  the  object,  to  open 
the  navigation  of  the  river.  The  most  important  of  the  forts, 
was  that  at  Red  Bank,  which  being  attacked  by  fifteen  hundred 
Hessians,  it  was  gallantly  defended  by  Colonel  Greene,  who 
repulsed  the  assailants  with  immense  loss,  Colonel  Donop,  (heir 
commander,  being  himself  mortally  wounded  and  made  prisoner, 
with  many  other  officers.  But  for  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
which  covered  their  flight,  the  whole  party  would  have  fallen 
into  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  This  distinguished  conduct, 
was  duly  honored  by  congress,  and  an  elegant  sword  presented 
to  Colonel  Greene. 

But  notwithstanding  the  failure  of  this  attempt,  Sir  William 
Howe  did  not  abandon  the  object  of  opening  the  navigation  of 
the  river;  but  ordered  an  attack  to  be  made  on  Fort  Mifflin,  on 
Mud  Island,  which  was  most  gallantly  and  obstinately  defended ; 
but  after  having  sustained  the  fort  for  nearly  two  months  against 
the  daily  attacks  of  the  enemy,  it  was  abandoned  on  the  15th  of 
November,  the  works  being  entirely  destroyed,  which  left  the 
garrison  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Samuel 
Smith  of  Maryland,  who  commanded  the  garrison,  received  a 
sword  from  Congress,  for  his  gallant  conduct  in  the  various 
assaults  on  Fort  Mifflin;  two  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  garrison 
were  killed  and  wounded.  Of  all  the  works  on  the  river, 
Fort  Mercer  alone  remained;  it  was  intrusted  to  General 
Greene,  who  did  every  thing  that  could  be  done,  to  defend  it; 
but  not  receiving  the  expected  reinforcements, it  was  abandoned 
in  pursuance  of  the  advice  of  a  council  of  officers.  After  the 
fall  of  the  forts,  the  vessels  and  galleys  were  obliged  to  be  aban- 
doned. In  these  various  conflicts,  the  Americans  sustained 
vsevere  losses;  the  enemy  also  lost  two  «hips  of  the  line;  but 
they  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  command  of  the  river. 

Early  in  December,  the  B'  itish  General  marched  from  Phila- 
delphia to  White  Marsh,  and  maneuvered  to  draw  Washington 
into  an  engagement,  but  did  not  dare  to  attack  him  in  his  posi- 
tion, although  the  American.troops  were  in  the  most  deplorable 
condition;  in  want  of  shoes,  stockings,  breeches  and  blankets. 
After  some"  skirmishing,  the  enemy  returned  to  the  city,  where 


454  MARQUIS  DE  LA  PAYETTE. 

he  found  very  snug  winter  quarters.  His  adversary  having  re- 
tired, Washington  moved  with  his  army  to  Valley  Forge,  a 
place  uniting  almost  every  advantage,  where  he  took  up  his 
winter  quarters,  about  sixteen  miles  from  Philadelphia. 

Thus  terminated  the  campaign  of  1777,  which  commenced 
under  such  favorable  auspices  on  the  part  of  the  British,  with 
such  ample  means,  and  from  which  the  enemies  of  America, 
both  at  home  and  in  England,  had  expected  so  much.  The 
possession  of  a  city  abandoned,  by  a  considerable  part  of  its 
inhabitants,  and  the  submission  of  the  surrounding  country  for 
fifteen  miles  in  extent,  were  the  only  results  of' a  campaign, 
which,  after  great  expectation  and  immense  expense,  was  to 
prostrate  the  power  and  hopes  of  America,  and  teach  the  rebels 
better  manners,  and  convince  them  by  the  argumentumbaculinum 
— conviction  per  force,  of  the  omnipotence  of  parliament,  and 
its  authority  to  bind  the  Americans  in  all  cases  whatsoever^. 

The  British  had  not  been  defeated;  they  had  not  been  disap- 
pointed by  not  receiving  expected  reinforcements,  or  by  the 
failure  of  the  co-operation  of  their  fleet;  their  exertions  had 
not  been  paralyzed,  and  their  plans  frustrated  by  any  adverse 
occurrence,  that  was  out  of  the  contingences  which  fairly  belong 
to  the  operations  and  events  of  war.*  Neither  had  they  been 
opposed  by  a  numerous  force,  or  one  well  disciplined  and  sup- 
plied with  every  thing  calculated  to  render  it  efficient.  Why 
then  did  they  accomplish  so  little,  and  what  were  the  difficul- 
ties with  which  they  had  to  contend?  The  want  of  energy  in 
the  British  commander,  may  have  been  one  reason  of  this  fail- 
ure; but  the  principal  causes  existed  in  the  nature  of  the  con- 
test ;  and  the  many  obstacles  which  attend  the  conquest  of  a 
people  contending  for  their  liberty,  and  animated  by  a  spiiit 
which  such  a  cause  is  calculated  to  inspire.  Had  the  people 
been  united,  the  British  would  have  found  much  more  formida- 
ble obstacles  to  contend  with;  but  instead  of  this,  the  country 
was  distracted  with  dissensions,  two  great  parties  dividing  pub- 
lic opinion;  the  tories  were  not  only  opposed  to  the  revolution, 
but  formed  a  local  and  active  auxiliary  force,  to  co-operate 
with  the  enemy :  this  party  in  the  middle  states,  comprised  no 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  45ar 

Small  portion  of  the  men  of  property;  jealousies  and  coldness 
also,  prevailed  among  the  whigs;  and  a  spirit  of  monopoly  and 
cupidity  having  sprung  up,  motives  of  gain  prevailed  over  sen- 
timents of  patriotism,  and  men  of  wealth  engaged  in  ruinous 
speculations:  all  these  causes  tended  to  embarrass  and  paralyze 
the  endeavors  of  congress  and  their  commander.  Congress 
had  not  the  power  to  command  the  little  resources  the  coun* 
try  possessed;  was  without  money  and  without  credit,  and  the 
army  in  want  of  every  thing.  If,  with  all  these  embarrassments 
and  obstacles,  the  enemy  was  able  to  effect  no  more,  what  would 
he  have  accomplished  if  the  people  had  been  united  and  under 
an  efficient  government? 

The  American  army  remained  undisturbed  in  their  quarters 
at  Valley  Forge, but  sixteen  miles  from  Philadelphia,  the  more 
comfortable  quarters  of  the  enemy,  although  barefoot,  and  al- 
most literally  naked,  and  greatly  inferior  in  numbers  to  the 
British.  In  this  destitute  condition  of  the  American  troops,  La 
Fayette,  at  his  own  expense,  procured  many  articles  to  supply 
the  most  distressing  wants  of  the  soldiers.  He  was  too  much 
the  soldier's  friend  to  be  satisfied  to  be  himself  possessing  every 
enjoyment,  whilst  the  troops, were  suffering  the  severest  priva- 
tions. To  relieve  the  distresses  of  the  army,  and  assume  the 
appearance  of  confidence  and  cheerfulness,  Washington  and 
the  officers  encouraged  pastimes  and  amusements,  and  took  a 
part  in  them  themselves.  From  the  conciliatory  deportment, 
the  pleasing  manners ;  from  his  regard  for  the  rights  of  the  sol- 
diers, and  his  unbounded  liberality,  the  example  and  exertions 
of  no  one,  except  the  commander-in-chief,  had  more  influence 
than  those  of  La  Fayette.  Washington,  and  the  other  officers, 
invited  their  ladies  to  their  quarters,  to  partake  in  their  festivi- 
ties, and,  by  their  presence,  to  enliven  the  dullness  of  the  scene: 
by  their  vivacity  and  sprightliness,  to  spread  a  charm  of  gaiety 
and  pleasure  over  the  haggard  features  of  v\ar,  and  the  suffer- 
ings and  gloom  of  the  camp — that  in  these  transient  enjoyments, 
past  distresses  might  be  forgotten,  present  sufferings  alleviated, 
and  future  prospects  brightened.  These  patriotic  women, 
whilst  they  felt  a  deep  anxMy  for  the  <=afetv  of  their  husband*- 


45G  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

and  friends,  engaged  in  a  contest  for  life  and  liberty  with  such 
unequal  means,  suppressed  their  uneasiness,  and  assuming  the 
appearance  of  cheerfulness  and  joy  themselves,  did  every  thing 
in  their  power  to  impart  these  feelings  to  others,  and  give  an 
appearance,  at  least,  of  pleasure  and  gaiety  to  the  scene.  Their 
patriotic  motives  and  example  Were  worthy  the  highest  praise, 
and  will  compare  with  the  most  distinguished  matrons  of  the 
ancient  republics  of  Greece  or  Rome.  During  the  winter, 
Washington  caused  the  whole  army  to  be  inoculated  with  the 
small-pox,  which  was  conducted  with  such  secrecy  that  the 
British  were  not  informed  of  it  until  the  whole  operation  was 
ended.  The  sufferings  of  the  army  were  inconceivably  severe, 
during  the  rigors  of  the  winter;  being  not  only  destitute  of 
clothing,  but  often  of  provisions.  At  one  period  the  commissary 
delivered  the  last  ration  in  his  possession ;  and,  from  want  of  ma- 
terials to  raise  their  barracks  from  the  ground,  the  damp  struck, 
through  their  straw  beds,  which  produced  a  contagious  and 
mortal  disease,  to  which  the  soldiers  were  the  miserable  victims. 
But  the  army  bore  all  these  sufferings  with  fortitude  and  pa- 
tience, if  not  without  complaint.  The  commissioners  appointed 
by  congress  to  examine  the  condition  of  the  army,  reported  that 
nothing  could  exceed  their  sufferings,  except  the  patience  with 
which  they  supported  them. 

To  add  to  these  difficulties,  jealousy  and  envy  had  produced 
secret  enemies  to  the  commander-in-chief,  who,  by  plots  and 
intrigues,  attempted  to  deprive  him  of  the  confidence  of  the 
army  and  of  the  people,  and  thus,  if  not  to  strip  him  of  his 
power,  at  least  to  cast  a  shade  over  the  lustre  of  his  well-earned 
fame.  There  were  others,  whom  charity  requires  us  to  believe, 
honestly  entertained  fears  that  Washington,  after  establishing 
the  independence  of  the  country,  like  Cagsar  or  Cromwell, 
would  assume  sovereign  power  himself.  The  jealous  spirit  of 
the  times,  and  the  unlimited  authority  conferred  on  him  by  Con- 
gress, favored  these  unworthy  suspicions,  which,  had  they  not 
been  allayed,  might  have  proved  so  fatal  in  their  consequences. 
No  one  was  more  active  or  succesful  in  his  exertions  to  allay 
them,  and  satisfy  the  public  mind,  than  General  La  Fayette., 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  451 

Being  a  foreign  nobleman  of  a  princely  fortune,  no  ore  could 
suspect  him  of  harboring  designs  hostile  to  the  liberties  of  Amer- 
ica, and  from  the  sacrifices  he  had  made  in  her  canse,  general 
confidence  was  reposed  in  his  integrity.  From  his  situation 
with  relation  to  Washington,  being  his  confidential  friend  and 
adopted  son,  to  whom  he  unbosomed  Ins  most  secret  thoughts, 
he  possessed  great  personal  influence,  which  was  exerted  in  a 
judicious  and  efficacious  manner.  So  disinterested  a  patriot, 
who  had  poured  out  his  blood  and  his  treasure  in  the  cause  of 
American  liberty,  was  listened  to,  when  he  spoke  in  vindication 
of  the  character  of  Washington,  whose  inmost  thoughts  he 
knew — whose  heart  was  opened  to  him.  His  exertions  con- 
tributed greatly  to  soothe  the  feelings  and  allay  the  jealousies 
which  had  disclosed  themselves  and  threatened  to  produce  the 
most  alarming  consequences. 

Those  who  suppose  that  it  was  with  his  sword  only  that  Fayr 
ette  served  America,  are  greatly  mistaken.  It  is  not  only  for 
his  exertions  in  the  field,  and  the  blood  spilt  in  our  service,  that 
we  are  indebted  to  this  distinguished  patriot;  but  still  more  for 
his  wisdom,  his  counsels,  his  treasure,  and  unexampled  munifi- 
cence, and  most  of  all,  for  his  extensive  personal  influence,  both 
in  France  and  America,  which  was  exerted  to  the  utmost,  to 
advance  the  interest  of  that  cause  in  which  he  had  so  heroically 
and  patriotically  engaged. 

The  energy  of  mind,  the  unshaken  firmness,  and  unwearied 
exertions  of  Washington,  enabled  him  to  sustain  himself  under 
all  the  difficulties  which  surrounded  him.  Reduced  as  his  army 
was,  and  a  large  portion  of  what  remained,  from  sickness  a  d 
privations,  unfit  for  duty,  nothing  but  the  commanding  position 
he  had  chosen,  and  the  vigilance  with  which  his  camp  was 
guarded,  could  have  secured  him  against  attack,  situated  in  the 
vicinity  of  an  opposing  army  of  nearly  twenty  thousand  strong, 
we,ll  armed  and  equipped,  and  possessing  all  the  means  of  war. 
58 


(458) 


CHAPTER  III. 

Consequences  of  the  fortunate  termination  of  the  campaign  in  the  north-* 
Treaty  with  France— La  Fayette  appointed  to  command  an  expedition 
against  Canada — it  is  given  up — His  successful  retreat  from  Beacon  Hill, 
neaT  Philadelphia — He  challenges  Lord  Carlisle — Enterprize  against  Rhode 
Island,  and  conduct  of  La  Fayette — He  returns  to  France — is  received  with 
great  joy  and  respect — exerts  his  influence  with  the  government  to  induce 
it  to  afford  more  ample  assistance  to  America,  sails  again  for  the  United 
States. 

If  little  glory  or  advantage  had  been  acquired  in  the  cam- 
paign in  the  middle  states,  that  in  the  north  had  been  still  more 
unfortunate.  Commenced  with  high  hopes,  which  were  still 
more  inflated  by  flattering  circumstances  of  success  that  at- 
tended its  early  operations,  it  terminated  on  the  plains  of  Sar- 
atoga most  gloriously  to  the  American  arms,  and  most  advanta- 
geously to  the  cause  in  which  she  was  engaged,  but  to  the  inex- 
pressible disappointment  and  mortification  of  Britain.  An 
army  of  ten  thousand  men,  veteran  and  experienced  troops, 
under  an  able  and  enterprising  commander,  well  equipped  and 
provided,  opposed  only  by  a  greatly  inferior  force  of  regulars 
and  the  militia  of  the  country,  inspired  the  highest  expecta- 
tion. Such  an  army,  with  such  a  leader,  it  was  believed  would 
inarch  through  a  country  destitute  of  fortresses,  and  so  feebly 
defended,  without  difficulty  and  without  danger.  It  was  expec- 
ted to  compel  the  submission  of  all  the  northern  part  of  the 
state  of  New  York,  and,  by  forming  a  junction  with  the  forces 
of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  on  the  Hudson,  establish  the  authority 
of  Britain  over  the  entire  state  of  New  York,  so  important  from 
Its  position,  and  in  every  other  respect. 

But  this  formidable  army  and  array  of  power,  and  all  the 
hopes  depending  on  them,  were  annihilated  in  a  few  months. 
The  sun  of  Burgoyne's  glory,  which  rose  with  such  brightness, 
was  soon  overcast  with  clouds,  and  set  in  darkness  and  in  blood. 
It  is  thus  the  hopes  of  man  perish !  On  the  seventeenth  of 
October, '77,  the  remains  of  General  Burgoyne's  army,  amount- 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  4^ 

rag  tlicn  to  nearly  six  thousand  men,  was  surcendered  to  the. 
Americans,  under  the  command  of  General  Gates. 

This  was  the  most  important  event  since  the  commencement 
of  the  war,  and  gave  the  first  serious  shock  to  British  power  in 
America.  It  was  not  the  capture  of  six  thousand  men,  and  the 
withdrawal  of  that  force  from  the  troops  employed  by  the  en- 
emy, that  gave  importance  to  this  victory ;  this  loss  to  the  Brit- 
ish army  might  easily  be  supplied;  but  it  was  the  moral  influ- 
ence of  this  victory,  not  only  in  America,  but  in  Europe,  which 
gave  it  its  importance.  It  revived  the  hopes  of  the  Americans, 
and  inspired  fresh  confidence;  it  increased  the  respect  and  au- 
thority of  Congress,  animated  the  continental  armies,  and  gave 
activity  to  the  recruiting  service.  But  its  influence  abroad  was 
scarcely  less  important  than  at  home;  it  decided  the  policy  of 
France,  and  enabled  the  American  Commissioners  to  conclude 
a  treaty  of  amity  and  alliance  with  her,  which  they  had  been 
endeavoring  to  effect  since  1776.  This  treaty,  which  had  so 
important  n  bearing  on  the  American  revolution,  was  concluded 
on  the  6th  of  February,  1778,  by  Count  de  Vergennes,  on  the 
part  of  France,  and  Dr.  Franklin,  Arthur  Lee,  and  Silas  Deane, 
on  the  part  of  the  Uiited  States. 

Until  the  capture  of  Burgoyne's  army,  France  had  not  suffi- 
cient confidence  in  the  ultimate  success  of  the  Americans,  to  be 
induced  by  all  the  exertions  of  Franklin  and  his  associates,  as- 
sisted by  the  influence  of  La  Fayette  and  his  friends  in  France, 
to  openly  acknowledge  the  independence  of  the  United  States; 
but  the  destruction  of  an  army  of  ten  thousand  men  inspired 
such  reliance  on  the  firmness  and  ability  of  America,  to  main- 
tain the  character  she  had  assumed,  that  France  not  only  ac- 
knowledged her  independence,  but  agreed  to  become  herself  a 
party  in  the  war.  Immediately  after  the  conclusion  of  the 
treaty,  the  American  Commissioners  were  presented  to  the  king, 
and  Dr.  Franklin  accredited  as  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  the 
United  States  to  the  Court  of  France. 

The  news  of  the  treaty  with  France,  filled  America  with  joy; 
it  animated  the  heart  of  the  patriot,  and  nerved  the  arm  of  the 
warrior.     From  the  zeal  of  La  Fayette  in  the  cause  of  Amerl- 


460  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE, 

can  liberty,  and  from  his  long  continued  exertions  and  anxiety, 
to  induce  his  native  France  to  afford  her  assistance,  no  one  re- 
joiced more  sincerely  at  this  heart-cheering  intelligence,  than 
this  disinterested  patriot.  Being  one  of  the  first  who  received 
the  news,  he  could  not  forego  the  pleasure  of  being  the  bearer 
himself  of  so  agreeable  intelligence  to  the  commander-in-chief; 
who  immediately  ordered  the  troops  to  be  assembled  in  brigades, 
the  treaty  to  be  read,  prayers  and  thanksgivings  to  be  publicly 
offered  up  to  that  Being  who"  turneth  the  hearts  of  Kings  as  the 
rivers  are  turned."  This  was  followed  by  a  general  discharge 
of  cannon,  which  resounded  through  the  camp,  accompanied 
with  every  other  demonstration  of  joy.  At  a  given  signal,  the 
whole  army  cried  out  at  once,  Long  live  the  King  of  France! 
In  the  admiration  and  gratitude  manifested  toward  France,  La 
Fayette  came  in  for  a  share;  crowds  gathered  around  him,  and 
vied  with  each  other  in  expressing  their  congratulations  on  the 
occasion,  and  their  sense  of  the  importance  of  his  exertions  and 
influence  in  producing  this  long  desired  connexion  between  the 
two  countries. 

A  plan  had  been  formed  in  conjunction  with  La  Fayette  and 
Mr.  Gerard,  the  French  minister,  for  the  conquest  of  Canada. 
Dr.  Franklin  was  instructed  to  lay  this  plan  before  the  court  of 
France,  a  co-operation  on  her  part  being  expected.  This  pro- 
ject originated  with  the  French  minister,  and  has  been  supposed 
to  have  had  other  objects  in  view,  than  to  aid  the  cause  of  the 
United  States.  That  the  recovery  of  her  lost  possessions,  iu 
America,  was  an  object  that  France  looked  upon,  as  a  possible 
result  from  the  struggle  for  the  establishment  of  the  independ- 
ence of  the  United  States,  is  neither  unreasonable  or  improbable. 
But  that  this  enterprize  was  proposed  to  deceive  the  United 
States,  and  divert  their  forces  to  an  object  no  way  interesting  to 
them,  or  that  it  was  conceived  without  regard  to  their  interests, 
is  a  position  that  is  unsupported.  But,  however  this  maybe, 
the  character  of  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette,  his  high  sense  of 
honor,  the  zeal  which  he  had  manifested  in  the  cause  of  Amer- 
ica, his  chivalrous  spirit  and  ardent  love  of  glory,  forbid  any 
suspicion  that  he  was  acquainted  with  any  such  ultimate  designs 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  4fil 

on  the  part  of  France,  as  have  been  suggested,  if  any  such 
were  entertained;  he  acted  from  more  noble  and  exalted  feel- 
ings; the  hope  of  acquiring  military  fame,  and  advancing  the 
cause  of  independence  and  liberty. 

Early  in  the  year  '78,  the  Marquis  proceeded,  by  the  direc- 
tion of  Washington,  to  Albany,  where  a  force  was  collecting 
for  carrying  into  execution  the  enterprise  against  Canada.  The 
plan  of  operations  was  to  proceed  from  that  place,  with  a  sui- 
table force,  pass  the  lakes  on  the  ice  and  seize  on  Montreal  and 
St.  John's.  Various  expedients  had  been  devised  to  overcome 
the  obstacles  of  the  enterprize;  but  on  Fayette's  arrival  at  Al- 
bany, he  found  neither  men,  ammunition  or  provisions  adequate 
to  the  undertaking.  From  the  dilatory  movements  in  making 
the  preparations  for  the  expedition,  it  was  so  much  delayed  that 
a  thaw  supervened,  which  with  other  obstacles  occasioned  its 
abandonment.  The  ardor  of  youth,  and  love  of  glory,  with  the 
temptation  of  an  independent  command,  so  flattering  to  a  young 
officer,  did  not  warp  the  judgment  of  La  Fayette,  and  lead  him 
to  pursue  an  enterprise,  under  such  circumstances  as  that  it 
could  scarcely  have  avoided  a  disastrous  termination.  With 
the  foresight  of  age,  and  the  wisdom  of  experience,  the  youth- 
ful hero  ahandoned  the  expedition ;  and  congress  was  so  satisfied 
with  the  prudence  and  propriety  of  this  measure,  that  they  ex- 
pressed their  approbation  of  his  conduct  by  a  vote  of  thanks. 

To  improve  the  occasion  to  the  best  advantage,  which  the 
news  of  the  treaty  with  France  presented,  congress  prepared 
"An  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica," which,  in  addition  to  being  published  in  all  the  Gazettes, 
was  ordered  to  be  read  from  the  pulpit  by  every  minister  of  the 
gospel  in  the  country.  This  state  paper  contained  an  eloquent 
appeal  to  the  patriotism  of  the  people,  which  was  invoked  by 
every  principle  of  honor,  justice  and  interest.  And  in  the 
warmth  and  liberality  of  feeling  which  the  occasion  had  excited, 
congress  adopted  a  resolution,  granting  half-pay  for  life,  to  all 
officers  who  should  serve  during  the  war.  This  resolution  be- 
came a  fruitful  source  of  uneasiness  and  difficulty  as  it  respected 
the  army  and  the  people;  the  grant  was  afterward  commuted  to 
full  pay  for  five  years. 


4ft3  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

The  favourable  impulse,  which  had  been  given  to  public 
opinion  in  the  United  States,  by  the  capture  ef  Burgoyne,  was 
greatly  increased  by  the  treaty  of  amity  and  alliance  with 
France,  and  the  expected  co-operation  of  that  power  in  the  war. 
Confidence  was  restored,  and  a  spirit  of  patriotism  revived;  ac- 
tivity was  exhibited  in  the  recruiting  service,  and  the  zeal  and 
patriotism  of  individuals  led  to  the  most  honorable  exertions  to 
provide  ways  and  means  for  provisioning  the  army.  A  lar^e 
fund  was  raised  by  subscription  in  Philadelphia,  to  encourage 
the  recruiting  service  and  to  reward  such  as  might  distinguish 
themselves  by  their  exertions  to  fill  up  the  ranks  of  the  army. — 
A  society  was  formed  and  a  subscription  set  on  foot,  which  pro 
duced  nearly  two  hundred  thousand  pounds  sterling,  that  constitu- 
ted a  fund  or  stock  forprovisioning  the  army.  The  ladies  of  Phila- 
delphia, on  this  occasion  were  not  behind  the  men  in  patriotism 
and  zeal  in  the  cause  of  their  country.  They  formed, contribu- 
tion societies,  and  the  example  of  the  metropolis  being  followed 
by  the  rest  of  the  state,  more  than  1 50,000  dollars  were  collected 
and  forwarded  to  the  army.  To  their  great  honour,  many  con^ 
tributed  their  jewels,  and  other  valuable  superfluities,  to  supply, 
the  wants  and  add  to  the  comforts  of  the  soldiers  who  were 
fighting  for  their  protection  and  the  liberties  of  the  country. 

In  May  '78,  Sir  William  Howe,  having  requested  permission 
to  return  to  England,  was  succeeded  in  the  command  of  the 
British  army,  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton;  who,  on  the  18th  of  tbe 
month,  gave  a  brilliant  entertainment,  which  lasted  twelve  hours. 
General  Washington,  whose  army  had  been  considerably  rein- 
forced, on  learning  this  fact,  ordered  General  La  Fayette  to 
proceed  from  the  head  quarters  of  the  army  at  Valley  Forge, 
and  attack  the  enemy,should  an  opportunity  offer.  Accordingly, 
with  a  detachment  of  2,300  men,  he  crossed  the  Schuylkill  and 
took  a  position  on  Beacon  Hill,  about  twelve  miles  in  advance  of 
flie  American  camp.  Here  he  intended  to  pass  the  night  and 
watch  the  enemy's  movements,  and  take  advantage  of  any  cir- 
cumstance which  might  favour  his  designs.  But  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  being  informed  of  this  movement,  ordered  General 
Grant  with  three  thousand  troops  to  surprise  La  Fayette,  and 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE-  463 

<;ut  off  his  retreat:  and  the  Marquis  being  ignorant  of  this  move- 
ment, General  Grant  by  a  circuitous  route,  succeeeded  in  taking 
a  position  about  two  miles  in  the  Pear  of  La  Fayette.  At  the 
same  time,  a  large  force  marched  from  Philadelphia,  to  attack 
him  in  front.  His  situation  was  critical,  and  General  Grant 
considered  his  destruction  as  certain;  and  had  he  had  the  pre- 
caution to  have  secured  Matron  Fort,  a  post  on  the  Schuylkill, 
he  would  probably  have  been  correct.  But  the  Marquis  per- 
ceiving the  enemy  marching  to  attack  him,  both  in  front  and  in 
rear,  aware  of  their  design,  tiled  off  his  troops  in  good  order,and 
moved  with  such  rapidity  as  to  reach  Matron  Fort,  a  distance 
of  about  one  mile,  and  to  pass  the  river  before  the  enemy  came 
up.  Although  the  success  of  this  retreat  is  in  some  measure 
attributable  to  the  oversight  of  the  enemy;  yet  the  conduct  of 
the  Marquis  was  such  as  would  have  done  honor  to  the  most 
experienced  general.  It  is  one  of  the  highest  attributes  of  a 
skilful  general,  to  be  able  promptly  to  take  advantage  of  every 
circumstance  which  may  favour  his  plan.?,  especially  in  extrica- 
ting himself  from  unexpected  difficulties.  The  loss  of  so 
considerable  a  portion  of  the  American  army,  at  the  time  when 
the  campaign  was  about  to  open,  would  have  been  a  very  serious 
embarrassment  to  the  intended  operations.  The  salvation  of 
the  American  troops  therefore,  by  the  address  and  skill  of  La 
Fayette,  excited  great  joy,  and  his  own  conduct  much  admira- 
tion and  applause;  and  with  no  one  more  than  Washington, 
who  received  the  young  hero  with  every  mark  of  satisfaction. 
Early  in  June,  the  British  commissioners,  the  Earl  of  Carlisle, 
Mr.  Eden,  and  Governor  Johnstone  arrived  at  Philadelphia, 
with  authority  to  negotiate  a  peace  between  Britain  and  the 
United  States.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  was  also  joined  in  the  com- 
mission, and  the  celebrated  Dr.  Ferguson  was  its  secretary. — 
An  attempt  was  immediately  made  to  open  a  negotiation;  but 
Washington  refused  a  passport  to  the  secretary,  which  compelled 
the  commissioners  to  have  recourse  to  correspondence.  Their 
first  letter  was  very  complimentary  to  Congre:s,  and  expressed 
a  willingness  to  make  everv  concession,  short  of  acknowledging 
fhe  independence  of  the  United  States.     Congress  replied  with 


404  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

great  firmness  and  dignity  through  their  President,  that  they 
could  not  negotiate  as  the  subjects  of  his  Britanic  Majesty,  and 
that,  however  desirous  they  were  for  peace,  the  recognition  of 
the  independence  of  the  United  Slates,  must  be  a  preliminary 
step  to  any  negotiation.  The  commissioners,  in  their  answer, 
said  that  they  had  already  admitted  a  degree  of  independence,  and 
that  they  were  disposed  to  go  farther,  if  Congress  would  comrau" 
nicate  to  them  the  powers  with  which  they  were  authorized  to 
treat  with  foreign  nations.  To  this  artful  communication,  Con- 
gress believed  they  consulted  their  dignity  best  by  their  silence: 
and  thus  the  negotiation  ended. 

Having  failed  in  their  attempt  at  outwitting  Congress  by  their 
diplomatic  arts,  the  commissioners  had  recourse  to  the  most 
shameful  attempts  at  corruption.   .  A  direct  bribe  often  thousand 
pounds  sterling,  was  offered  to  Mr.  Reed  if  he  would  further 
the  views  of  the  commissioners.     Mr.  Reed's  reply  was  worthy  a 
true  patriot  and  ofthe  times  thattried  men'sintegrity:  "although 
I  hardly  consider  myself,  (said  he)  worth  purchasing,  yet  the 
King  of  Britain  is  not  rich  enough,  to  do  it."     The  next  attempt 
was  made  on  Robert  Morris  and  Francis  Dana,  with  the  same 
success.     The  commissioners  soon  found  that '  British  gold'  was 
as  little  efficacious  as  British  arms  in  reducing  America.     The 
commissioners  in  their  communications  made  several  offensive 
insinuations  respecting  the  intentions  and  policy  of  France. — 
This  met  the  decided  disapprobation  of  Congress,  offended  the 
people,  and  so  exasperated  La  Fayette,  that  he  conceived  him- 
self bound  to  challenge  Lord  Carlisle,  president  of  the  board 
of  commissioners ;  which  he  accordingly  did,  leaving  to  him  the 
choice  of  arms.     This  step,  which,  under  other  circumstances 
might  have  been  regarded  as  the  bravado  of  a  rash  and  pre- 
sumptuous young  man,  was  well  approved  of,  and  was  no( 
entirely  useless.     As  commissioner,  Lord  Carlisle  could  not 
accept  the  challenge,  and  it  was  properly  declined.     The  com- 
missioners having  rendered  themselves  odious,  and  from  the 
general  feeling  toward  them,  this  procedure  of  La  Fayette, 
was  gratifying  to  the  public  mind,  and  contributed  in  some 
measure,  to  lessen  the  importance,  of  the,"  commissioners,  ii- 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  465 

die  eyes  of  the  common  people.  The  spirited  manner,  in 
which  the  Marquis  had  resented  the  intimation  that  France 
was  actuated  by  selfish  and  dishonourable  views,  in  her  conduct 
towards  the  United  States,  seemed  to  confirm  the  confidence 
of  the  people  in  their  allies;  and  the  readiness  with  which  he 
offered  to  expose  his  life  in  every  way,  to  serve  the  American 
cause,  tended  to  raise  his  reputation  for  Courage,  and  increase 
his  popularity  and  influence.  Apprehending  a  fleet  and  an  auxil- 
iary force  from  France,  secret  orders  had  been  sent  out  by  one 
of  the  commissioners  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  for  him  to  evacuate 
Philadelphia,  and  return  to  New  York  with  his  army,  with  as 
little  delay  as  possible.  He  accordingly  prepared  to  obey  the 
order,  and  soon  was  ready  to  move. 

"Washington,  as  soon  as  he  became  sensible  of  the  enemy's 
intention  of  abandoning  Philadelphia,  called  a  council  of  the 
officers,  to  consider  the  expediency  of  inviting  a  general  engage- 
ment, which,  as  he  could  bring  near  eleven  thousand  men  into 
the  field,  he  thought  advisable.  But  his  officers  determined 
otherwise,  and  Washington  for  a  few  days  yielded  to  their 
advice.  He  however,  in  the  mean  time,  sent  Morgan,  with  600 
men,  to  reinforce  General  Maxwell's  brigade,  with  orders  to 
obstruct  the  progress  of  the  enemy  as  much  as  possible  through 
the  Jersey's;  while  he  himself  with  the  main  army  moved 
towards  Corryell's  Ferry,  that  he  might  be  ready  to  seize  any 
advantageous  opportunity  that  might  offer  for  a  general  attack. 
The  progress  of  Clinton,  encumbered  as  he  was  with,  an  enor- 
mous quantity  of  heavy  baggage,  was  necessarily  slow — for  in 
addition  to  the  usual  baggage,  and  provision  for  such  an  army, 
he  had  provided  against  the  possibility  of  suffering  in  case  of 
unexpected  delays  in  his  march,  by  a  store  of  provisions  suffi- 
cient to  have  lasted  him  for  a  month;  so  that  his  baggage  wag- 
ons, horses,  and  carts,  resembled  the  suite  of  an  army  of  a 
hundred  thousand  men,  and  covered  almost  as  great  an  extent 
of  ground.  Upon  reaching  Mount  Holly,  Clinton,  contrary  to 
the  expectation  of  Washington,  took  the  road  towards  Sandy- 
Hook,  instead  of  keeping  to  the  left  towards  the  Raritan,  and 
thus  induced  Washington  to  suppose  that  his  object  was  to  draw 


466  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

him  into  an  engagement  in  the  flat  country,  and  then  by  a  rapid 
change  of  motion  to  pursue  the  route  to  Brunswick.  But 
Clinton  was  neither  anxious  to  seek  nor  to  avoid  an  engagement; 
he  had  chosen  that  route,  most  probably  because  he  thought  it 
possible  that  General  Gates  might  form  a  junction  with  Wash- 
ington at  the  Raritan,  and  thus  cut  off  his  retreat.  Whatever 
might  have  been  his  object,  Washington  was  for  a  time  deceived 
by  it;  but  the  moment  he  discovered  that  Clinton  meant  to 
pursue  his  course  to  the  sea  coast,  he  determined  not  to  let  him 
escape  without  battle. 

With  this  view,  he  despatched  a  body  of  troops  under  the 
Marquis  de  La  Fayette,  with  orders  to  approach  and  harrass  the 
enemy's  rear,  while  he  moved  on  with  the  main  army  to  his 
support.  Clinton,  supposing  from  this  measure  that  Washing- 
ton's object  was  simply  to  cut  off  his  baggage,  placed  his  whole 
train  of  incumbrances  in  the  front,  under  the  orders  and  protec- 
tion of  General  Knyphausen,  and  remained  himself  with  the 
main  body  of  his  army,  to  check  the  attempts  of  the  Marquis 
de  La  Fayette.  This  made  it  necessary  for  Washington  to  send 
a  larger  force  to  the  aid  of  the  Marquis,  and  two  brigades  being 
ordered  to  join  him,  the  whole  force  was  placed  under  the 
command  of  Major  General  Lee.  Clinton,  with  his  whole 
army  lay  at  Monmouth,  a  few  miles  from  the  heights  of  Middle- 
town;  it  was  important  therefore  that  the  attack  should  be 
made  before  he  could  reach  so  advantageous  a  position.  At 
day-light  on  the  morning  of  the  28th,  Gen.  Knyphausen  moved 
on  from  Monmouth  with  the  baggage,  while  Sir  Henry  with  the 
elite  of  the  army,  maintained  his  position  until  eight  o'clock. — 
Upon  receiving  intelligence  of  this  movement,  Washington  sent 
orders  to  Lee  at  Englishtown,  seven  miles  from  Monmouth,  to 
march  on  to  the  attack  of  the  British  rear;  unless  th%re  should 
appear  "  very  powerful  reasons"  to  deter  him — giving  him  infor- 
mation at  the  same  time,  that  he  was  approaching  to  his  support. 

Lee  lost  no  time  in  putting  his  troops  into  motion,  and  by  the 
time  he  had  advanced  within  a  few  miles  of  Monmouth,  he  dis- 
covered that  Clinton  was  also  in  motion,  and  advancing  to  meet 
him.    Gen.  Grayson,  with  the  two  brigades  of  Scott  and  Varnum 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  467 

led  the  van  of  Lee's  division,  and  were  soon  joined  by  the 
Marquis  de  La  Fayette.  The  whole  party  seemed  to  be  at  a 
loss  to  understand  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  continued 
to  pass  and  repass  the  ravines  which  every  where  intersect  this 
part  of  the  country.  In  this  state  of  indecision,  Cornwallis, 
who  led  the  van  of  the  enemy,  made  a  furious  charge  with  his 
dragoons  upon  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette,  and  drove  him  back 
in  some  confusion. — Lee,  in  the  mean  time,  under  supposition 
that  Cornwallis  was  detached  from  the  main  army,  made  a  feint  . 
of  retreating,  that  he  might  draw  the  general  after  him;  but 
one  of  his  officers,  General  Scott,  who  had  under  him  the  greater 
part  of  Lee's  forces,  misunderstood  the  orders,  and  actually 
retreated.  Tbi's  obliged  Lee  to  follow  until  he  could  overtake 
him,  the  a r>ny  hanging  upon  his  rear.  In  this  situation  he  was 
met  by  Washington,  who,  vexed  at  a  supposed  disobedience  of 
his  ciders,  accosted  him  with  rather  more  vehemence  than  the 
hoc  temper  of  Lee  could  brook;  he  refused  to  explain  his 
conduct,  and  a  warm  altercation  ensued. 

Washington,  now  himself  at  the  head  of  the  army,  moved  on 
to  battle,  and  a  general  action  was  soon  brought  on  which  lasted 
through  the  whole  of  one  of  the  hottest  days  in  summer. 

Lee,  who  had  been  ordered  again  to  lead  the  van,  met  the 
whole  shock  of  the  British  advance,  which  he  sustained  with 
his  usual  gallantry  until  so  closely  pursued  by  the  British  horse, 
that  his  troops  gave  way,  and  he  was  again  compelled  to  retreat; 
which  he  did  with  the  most  perfect  order  and  coolness.  Before 
the  retreat  of  Lee,  General  Greene  moved  up  with  his  division, 
and  in  conjunction  with  General  Wayne,  took  such  a  position 
that  the  British  gave  way,  and  retired  behind  a  defile;  where 
before  any  disposition  could  be  made  to  attack  them,  night 
came  on  and  both  armies  drew  off  from  the  contest. 

No  advantage  was  gained  to  either  party  by  this  hard  fought 
battle ;  nor  was  the  loss  very  great  on  either  side.  The  British 
left  on  the  field  two  hundred  and  forty-nine,  who  were  afterward 
buried  by  our  men,  besides  those  that  were  buried  by  their  own 
men  during  the  night — and  forty-four  wounded.  Among  their 
killed  was  Lieutenant  Colonel  Monckton,  an  officer  of  consider, 
able  distinction. 


468  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

The  Americans  lost  69  killed,  and  160  wounded.  Among 
the  killed,  were  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bonner,  and  Major  Dick- 
man.  Many  of  the  soldiers  of  both  armies  fell  dead  upon  the 
field,  from  excess  of  fatigue  and  heat. 

Washington  lay  upon  his  arms  all  night,  expecting  to  renew 
the  attack  in  the  morning;  but  Sir  Henry  Clinton  disappointed 
him  by  moving  off  at  midnight  with  his  whole  army;  aiui  as 
Washington,  though  he  might  very  justly  claim  the  victory,  was 
not  in  a  situation  to  pursue  him  over  the  deep  sands  of  Jersey, 
he  continued  his  route  without  further  molestation  to  New  York. 
Washington,  after  refreshing  his  wearied  troops,  and  providing 
as  far  as  posssble  for  the  comfort  of  the  w&unded,  moved  on  at 
his  leisure  towards  the  Hudson."* 

Lord  Howe  had  scarcely  left  the  Delaware,  wit\\  the  British 
fleet,  before  Count  D'Estaing,  with  a  much  superior  force,  ap- 
peared on  the  coast  of  Virginia,  and  in  a  few  days  came  into 
the  mouth  of  the  Delaware.  His  object  was  to  have  surprised 
the  British  fleet  at  Philadelphia;  and  had  not  his  voyage  been 
prolonged  by  bad  weather,  he  could  hardly  have  failed  of  doing 
it:  had  he  arrived  ten  days  earlier,  the  enemy's  fleet,  and  prob- 
ably their  army,  must  have  fallen.  The  Count  D'  Estain^.  hav- 
ing set  on  shore  M.  Gerard,  the  French  minister,  sailed  for  New 
York,  and  on  the  1  lth  day  of  July  commenced  the  blockade  of 
the  British  fleet  in  that  harbor.  He  made  several  attempts  to 
enter  the  harbor,  but  could  not  get  his  large  ships  over  the  bar; 
a  great  number  of  English  vessels,  loaded  with  provisions  and 
other  stores  for  the  army,  which  daily  arrived,  fell  into  his 
hands.  On  the  22d  he  sailed  for  Newport,  to  co-operate  with 
the  American  troops  for  the  reduction  of  the  British  force  on 
R*  ode  Island.  The  enemy  had-  G,000  men  on  Rhode  Island, 
under  Gen.  Pigot,  which  had  remained  there  since  December, 
'76.  Washington  had  formed  a  plan  of  fitting  out  an  expedi- 
tion to  Rhode  Island,  to  destroy  the  enemy's  forces  there,  which 
was  entrusted  to  General  Sullivan:  La  Fayette  with  two  thou- 
sand men  was  ordered  on  this  expedition  to  reinforce  General 

H,  I  —■■  ML  !■■■■»  .W        i  ■ — -■    -..      ■— ■  ■  ■    I  — - 

*  Allen's  Revolution 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  469 

Sullivan.  On  the  8th  of  August  the  French  fleet  entered  the- 
harbor  of  Newport,  the  British  having  previously,  and  to  pre- 
vent their  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  French,  burned  and  sunk 
six  vessels  that  lay  in  the  harbor.  On  the  following  day  Lord 
Howe  made  his  appearance  not  far  from  Point  Judith,  with 
his  squadron,  considerably  increased.  Count  D'Estaing  being 
informed  of  this,  immediately  sailed  in  pursuit,  with  a  view  to 
bring  him  to  action;  bul  the  tempestuous  state  of  the  weather 
frustrated  tbe  efforts  of  both  fleets,  and  after  three  days,  during 
which  the  storm  lasted,  each  party  seemed  satisfied  to  leave  the 
great  question  of  superiority  undecided.  The  moment  that 
Count  D'Estaing  left  the  harbor,  General  Sullivan  embarked 
with  his  troops,  at  Tiverton,  for  Rhode  Island,  but  from  the  un- 
favorableness  of  the  weather,  it  was  eight  days  before  he  could 
bring  himself  before  the  enemy.  He  was  sensible  that  all  his 
hopes  of  success  depended  on  the  co-operation  of  Count  D'Es- 
taing, and  as  he  manifested  no  intention  of  returning  into  the  har- 
bor, General  Sullivan  deputed  General  Greene  and  the  Marquis 

de  la  Fayette,  to  visit  the  count,  and  request  his  immediate  return 
into  the  harbor.     He  seemed  willing  himself  to  do  this,  but  his 

officers  unanimously  opposed  it,  and  urged  his  proceeding  im- 
mediately to  Boston  to  refit,  agreeably  to  his  instructions ;  and 
not  having  firmness  enough  to  resist  their  united  opinion,  he  ac- 
cordingly sailed  for  Boston.  General  Greene  and  La  Fayette 
returned,  much  dissatisfied  with  the  result  of  their  mission. 
The  conduct  of  the  French  officers  excited  loud  and  general  dis- 
approbation with  the  Americans;  and  a  formal  protest,  signed 
by  all  the  American  officers,  except  La  Fayette,  was  drawn  up, 
against  the  conduct  of  the  French  admiral,  in  abandoning  the 
expedition,  at  a  time,  when,  with  his  co-operation,  they  had  ev- 
ery reason  to  expect  success;  which  was  represented  as  derog- 
atory to  the  honor  of  France.  This  produced  no  other  effect 
than  a  spirited  reply  from  the  Count. 

It  was  no  sooner  known  that  Count  D'Estaing  had  sailed  to 
Boston,  than  the  militia  and  volunteers  began  to  move  off,  and 
in  a  few  days  General  Sullivan  found  his  force  so  reduced,  that 
ft  became  necessary  to  abandon  his  original  design,  and  prepare 


470  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

for  evacuating  the  island.  On  the  28th  a  council  of  war  was 
held,  at  which  it  was  determined  to  retire  to  the  northern  ex- 
tremity of  the  island,  and  to  remain  there  long  enough  to  make 
a  further  effort  to  induce  the  French  admiral  to  return  with  his 
squadron.  In  effecting  this  movement,  a  severe  action  was 
brought  on,  between  a  part  of  the  American  army  under  Gen. 
Greene,  consisting  of  about  1200  men,  and  four  British  regi- 
ments and  a  party  of  Hessians.  The  engagement  lasted  all  the 
afternoon  of  the  29th,  and  terminated  without  any  great  advan- 
tage to  either  party.  Gen.  Sullivan  closely  pursued  by  two 
large  detachments  of  the  enemy's  troops,  conducted  the  retreat 
with  great  ability  and  success.  The  rear  guard,  that  covered 
the  retreat,  receiving  a  reinforcement,  turned  the  attack  on  the 
enemy,  and  repulsed  them  with  a  loss  of  between  two  and  three 
hundred  men. 

In  the  meantime  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette  had  been  des- 
patched to  Boston,  to  make  another  effort  to  induce  the  French 
admiral  to  return  with  the  fleet.  Such  was  his  ardor  and  ex- 
pedition, that  he  arrived  in  Boston,  a  distance  of  seventy  miles, 
in  seven  hours.  He  had  a  long  interview  with  the  admiral  and 
his  officers,  in  which  he  left  no  means  untried  to  induce  him  to 
return  with  his  fleet,  but  without  effect.'  The  officers  of  the 
squadron  refused  to  depart  from  their  first  determination,  and 
the  Marquis  was  again  mortified  by  the  failure  of  a  second  at- 
tempt to  persuade  his  countrymen  to  afford  that  assistance  to 
the  Americans,  which  the  latter  considered  they  had  a  right  to 
expect.  The  Count,  however,  was  so  far  influenced  by  his  re- 
presentations, that  he  offered  him  what  land  forces  he  could 
spare,  to  co-operate  with  the  American  troops  on  Rhode  Island. 

La  Fayette  returned  from  Boston  in  about  six  hours  and  a 
half,  and  arrived  near  midnight  on  the  30th  of  A'ugust,  at  the 
very  time  the  American  army  was  retreating.  He  was  disap- 
pointed and  mortified  on  learning  that  an  action  had  taken  place 
the  day  before,  as  he  expected  to  have  got  back  in  season  to  take 
a  part  in  it.  He,  however,  had  an  opportunity  to  assist  in  con- 
ducting the  retreat,  and  was  assigned  to  command  the  troops 
that  were  to  cover  the  retreating  army.  This  difficult  service 
he  performed  with  such  coolness,  intrepidity  and  address,  tha 


Marquis  de  la  fayette.  471 

he  did  not  sustain  the  loss  of  a  single  man.  The  details  of  this 
skilful  and  masterly  retreat,  were  recorded  at  length  in  the 
public  registers. 

The  zeal  the  Marquis  had  shown  for  the  interests  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  the  sacrifice  of  feeling  he  made  by  repairing  to  Bos- 
ton, at  the  time  when  an  action  was  momentarily  expected,  and 
the  courage  and  ability  with  which  he  conducted  the  retreat 
after  his  return,  gave  great  satisfaction  to  congress,  who  testified 
the  same  by  the  following  resolution: 

"Resolved,  That  the  President  be  requested  to  inform  the 
Marquis  de  La  Fayette,  that  Congress  have  a  proper  sense  of 
the  sacrifice  he  made  of  his  personal  feelings,  in  repairing  to 
Boston  to  promote  the  interest  of  the  States,  at  a  time  when  he 
momentarily  expected  an  opportunity  of  distinguishing  himself 
in  the  field ;  and  that  the  bravery  which  he  displayed  on  his  re- 
turn to  Rhode  Island,  when  the  greater  part  of  the  army  had 
already  effected  its  retreat,  together  with  the  ability  with  which 
he  withdrew  the  picquets  and  advanced  posts,  merits  the  un- 
qualified approbation  of  this  Assembly." 

This  resolution  was  accompanied  by  the  following  letter 
from  Mr.  Henry  Laurens,  President  of  the  Congress,  to  the 
Marquis  de  La  Fayette,  Major  General  in  the  United  States 
army: 

Philadelphia,  \3th  Oct.  1778. 

Sir — I  feel  a  peculiar  pleasure  in  fulfilling  the  instructions 
implied  by  a  resolution  of  Congress,  passed  on  the  9th  inst.  and 
herewith  enclosed,  expressing  the  sentiments  of  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  United  States  with  regard  to  your  conduct 
during  the  recent  expedition,  undertaken  against  Rhode 
Island. 

"You  will  but  render,  sir,  an  act  of  justice  to  Congress,  bv 
regarding  this  testimonial  as  a  tribute  of  respect  and  gratitude, 
offered  by  a  free  people  to  one  who  has  rendered  them  essen- 
tial services.     I  have  the  honor,"  &c. 

The  following  is  the  Marquis's  reply: 

Head-Quarter*,  93d  Oct.  1778. 

"Sir — I  have  this  instant  received  the  letter  which  you  did 


472  Marquis  de  la  fayette. 

me  the  favor  to  write,  under  date  of  the  13th  instant,  in  which 
you  inform  me  of  the  honor  which  Congress  has  deemed  fit  to 
confer  on  me,  by  its  very  flattering  resolution.  Proud  as  I  am 
of  such  distinguishing  approbation,  I  am  not  the  less  grateful  to 
find  that  my  efforts  have  been,  in  a  measure,  regarded  as  useful 
to  a  cause,  in  which  I  have  taken  so  deep  and  so  lively  an  inte- 
rest. Be  pleased,  sir,  to  present  to  Congress  my  unfeigned  and 
heartfelt  thanks,  accompanied  with  the  assurances  of  my  sincere 
attachment,  the  only  homage  which  is  worthy  of  being  offered 
to  the  representatives  of  a  free  people. 

"From  the  moment  I  first  heard  the  name  of  America,  I 
began  to  love  her;  from  the  moment  I  understood  that  she  was 
struggling  for  her  liberties,  I  burned  to  shed  my  best  blood  in  her 
glorious  cause;  and  the  days  I  shall  devote  to  the  service  of 
America,  wherever  and  whenever  it  may  be,  will  constitute  the 
happiest  of  my  life.  Yet  I  never  so  ardently  desired,  as  I  do  now, 
to  deserve  the  generous  sentiments  with  which  these  States  and 
their  representatives  have  honoured  me:  and  the  flattering 
confidence  which  they  have  so  freely  reposed  in  me,  has  filled 
my  breast  with  the  most  lively  gratitude,  and  the  most  lasting 
affection." 

With  the  expedition  on  Rhode  Island,  ended  the  campaign  of 
'78,  being  the  first  after  the  alliance  with  France,  in  which  noth- 
ing was  gained  to  either  party.  Several  unfortunate  contingen- 
cies, and  the  skill  and  gallantry  of  Lord  Howe,  although  pos- 
sessing only  an  inferior  force,  prevented  the  Count  D'Estaing  from 
rendering  us  any  important  service.  But  the  arrival  of  the 
French  fleet  was  by  no  means  without  its  advantage;  it  not  only 
afforded  unequivocal  assurance  of  the  friendship  of  France, but 
also  that  she  felt  so  far  interested  in  the  contest,  as  to  be  willing 
to  become,  in  some  measure,  a  party  to  the  war,  or  at  least  to 
assume  a  portion  of  the  burdens  of  it,  by  assisting  in  carrying  it  on. 
This  consideration  seemed  to  animate  our  armies  and  the  people^ 
and  to  keep  up  a  spirit  of  activitv  in  our  resistance. 

About  this  time  La  Fayette  received  letters  from  his  friends 
in  France,  which  acquainted  him  with  the  sensation  that  had 
been  produced  in  England,  by  the  alliance  between  France  and 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  1/3 

America,  and  the  assistance  afforded  the  Americans,  both  by 
public  force;  and  individuals,  the  subjects  of  France:  and  assu- 
ming him,  it  was  the  general  exp.ctation,  that  war  would  soon  be 
declared  by  Great  Britain  against  his  native  country.  The 
ardour  with  which  the  Marquis  was  then  engaged  in  the  service 
of  America,  and  the  field  of  glory  that  lay  open  to  him,  did  not 
lead  him  to  forget  that  he  was  a  Frenchman;  and  his  obligations 
to  his  native  country,  when  she  required  his  services,  he 
considered  as  greater  than  those  he  owed  to  America,  which  he 
regarded  as  his  adopted  country.  Under  these  circumstances, 
he  did  not  hesitate  a  moment,  but  resolved  to  return  to  France. 
He  felt  more  strongly  the  obligation  to  pursue  this  course,  from 
the  consideration  that  his  conductand  example  in  serving  Amer- 
ica had  contributed  in  some  degree  to  involve  his  own  country 
in  war.  But  he  calculated  that  his  return  to  France,  would 
not  deprive  him  of  the  power  of  serving  America,  for  he  had 
reason  to  believe  he  should  be  able  to  render  her  important 
assistance  at  home. 

Before  he  left  the  head  quarters  of  the  army,he  communicated 
to  Washington  his  opinion  respecting  theassistance  tobe  afforded 
by  France,  which  was,  that  in  order  to  be  of  any  essential  benefit 
to  America,  she  must  send  an  adequate  naval  and  land  force, 
and  put  it  under  the  immediate  control  of  the  American  com- 
mander-in-chief. Unless  the  French  forces  were  under  the 
command  of  the  American  general,  the  same  difficulties  which 
were  experienced  in  the  case  of  Count  D'Estaing,  might  be 
expected  to  occur,  and  would  render  the  co-operation  of  France 
of  little  service.  A  French  naval  or  military  officer  might, 
allege,  as  had  once  been  done,  the  secret  orders  of  his  sovereign, 
whenever  he  wished  to  avoid  a  dangerous  or  disagreeable 
employment. 

The  modesty  of  Washington  would  not  permit  him  to  concur 
decidedly  in  the  Marquis's  opinions,  although  it  was  apparent 
that  he  approved  of  them.  Accordingly  he  wrote  to  his  friends 
in  France,  who  possessed  any  influence  at  court,  that  if  the 
French  government  really  wished  to  aid  the  American  cause,  it 
must  send  out  a  larger  auxiliary  force?  and  submit  it  to  the. 

60 


474  MARQUlS  1>E  LA  FAYETTE. 

'immediate  command  of  the  American  commander-iil-clucf,  whom 
"he  took  care  to  give  such  a  character  as  to  inspire  the  highesi 
confidence. 

In  October,  La  Fayette  left  the  head-quarters  of  the  arm)-, 
took  leave  of  his  beloved  Washington,  and  proceeded  to  Phila- 
delphia, where  congress  were  in  session,  to  request  permission  to 
return  to  France.  lie  presented  to  Congress  a  letter  from 
Washington,  and  another  written  by  himself,  which  disclosed 
his  views  and  objects  in  the  request  he  made;  and  the  subjoined 
resolution,  adopted  thereon,  shows  the  high  opinion  congress 
had  of  his  merits  at  that  time : — 

"//i   Congress,  October,  21,  1778. 

Resolved,  That  the  Marquis  La  Fayette,  Major  General  in 
the  services  of  the  United  States,  have  leave  to  go  to  France; 
and  that  he  return  at  such  time  as  shall  be  most  convenient  to 
him. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to  the  Marquis  La 
Fayette,  returning  him  the  thanks  of  Congress,  for  that  disinter- 
ested zeal  which  led  him  to  America,  and  for  the  services  he  hath 
rendered  the  United  States,  by  the  exertion  of  his  courage  and 
abilities  on  many  signal  occasions. 

Resolved,  That  the  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  at  the  Court  of  Versailles,  be  directed  to 
cause  an  elegant  sword,  with  proper  devices,  to  be  made  and 
presented  in  the  name  of  the  United  States,  to  the  Marquis  La 
Fayette." 

The  foregoing  resolves  were  communicated  to  tLve  Marquis 
in  the  following  letter. — 

"Philadelphia,  Oct.  24,  177Q-. 

SIPt — I  had  the  honor  of  presenting  to  Congress  your  letter, 
soliciting  leave  of  absence.  I  am  directed  by  them  to  express 
their  thanks  for  your  zeal  in  promoting  that  just  cause  in  which 
fhey  are  engaged,  and  for  the  disinterested  services  you  have 
rendered  to  the  United  States  of  America. 

In  testimony  of  the  high  esteem  and  affection  in  which  you 
are  held  by  the  good  people  of  these  States,  as  well  as  an  ac- 
knowledgment of  your  galla-iitry  aijd  military  talents,  displayed 


MARQUIS  DE  LA   FAYETTE.  tl3 

711  many  signal  occasions,  their  representatives,  in  congress- 
assembled,  have  ordered  an  elegant  sword  to  be  presented  to  you 
by  the  American  Minister  at  the  court  of  Versailles.  Enclosed 
within  the  present  cover,  will  be  found  an  act  of  Congress  of  the 
21st  inst., authorizing  these  declarations,  and  granting  a  furlough 
for  your  return  to  France,  to  be  extended  at  yourown  pleasure.  I 
pray  God  to  bless  and  protect  you;  to  conduct  you  in  safety  to 
the  presence  of  your  Pi*nce,  and  to  the  re-enjoyment  of  your 
aoble  family  and  friends. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

H.  LAURENS." 

To  this  note  the  Marquis  made  the  following  reply: — 

Philadelphia,  Oct.  26,  1778. 

SIR — I  have  received  your  Excellency's  obliging  letter,  enclo- 
sing the  several  resolutions  congress  have  honoured  me  with, 
and  the  leave  of  absence  they  have  been  pleased  to  grant.  Noth- 
ing can  make  me  happier,  than  the  reflection  that  my  services 
have  met  with  their  approbation.  The  glorious  testimonial  of 
confidence  and  satisfaction  respectfully  bestowed  on  me  by  the 
representatives  of  America,  though  rauch  superior  to  my  merit, 
cannot  exceed  the  grateful  sentiments  they  have  excited.  I 
consider  the  noble  present  offered  me  in  the  name  of  the  United 
States,  as  the  most  flattering  honour.  It  is  my  most  fervent  dcr 
sire,  soon  to  employ  that  sword  in  their  service,  against  the  com- 
mon enemy  of  my  country  and  their  faithful  and  beloved  allies. 
That  liberty,  safety,  wealth,  and  concord  may  ever  extend  and 
bless  these  United  States,  is  the  earnest  wish  of  a  heart  glow- 
ing with  a  devoted  zeal  and  unbounded  love  for  them,  and  the 
highest  regard,  and  most  sincere  affection  for  their  represen- 
tatives. 

Be  pleased,  Sir,  to  present  my  thanks  to  them,  and  to  ac- 
cept yourself  the  assurance  of  my  respectful  attachment. 

LA  FAYETTE." 

In  January,  1779,  he  embaiked  at  Boston,  carrying  with  him 
an  undiminished  attachment  to  the  cause  he  had  espoused  and 
the  gratitude  of  the  American  people.  The  regrets  which  his 
departure  n^rasioncd,  were  alleviated  by  the  expectation  that 


MARQtflS  DE  LA  FAYETTE 

he  would  still  continue  to  exert  himself  in  the  cause  of  America, 
and  that  his  influence  at  home  might  be  as  useful  as  his  services 
in  the  field. 

His  character  and  situation,  at  this  time,  were  without  any 
example  in  history.  He  possessed  the  admiration  of  France 
and  America,  and  of  the  friends  of  liberty  through  the  world ; 
he  connected,  in  some  measure,  the  interests  of  two  hemispheres, 
and  exerted  an  important  influence  on  the  destinies  of  the  hu- 
man race.  His  devotion  to  the  cause  of  liberty,  and  his  heroic 
achievements  in  the  field,  in  its  support,  were  known  throughout 
the  civilized  world ;  and  all  this  when  he  was  but  22  years  of 
age.  What  monarch  might  not  have  envied  this  young  hero 
and  patriot?  His  fame  had  gone  before  him,  and  on  his  arrival 
at  Havre,  he  was  welcomed  by  his  countrymen,  with  all  that 
enthusiasm  which  is  peculiar  to  their  character.  His  disinter- 
ested patriotism,  attended  with  the  sacrifice  of  a  considerable 
portion  of  his  fortune;  his  chivalrous  heroism,  which  shed  his 
blood  in  the  field  of  battle,  and  the  distinguished  honor  which 
had  been  shown  him  in  America,  excited  their  highest  admira- 
tion. His  popularity,  if  not  equally  great  with  all  parties,  ex- 
tended to  all;  notwithstanding,  an  order  was  issued  by  the  king, 
directing  him  to  visit  no  one  at  court  but  his  relations,  as  a  pre- 
tence of  censure  for  his  having  left  France  without  permission. 

Among  his  admirers,  was  the  young  queen,  Marie  Antoinette, 
then  justly  celebrated  for  her  beauty,  vivacity,  and  wit,  and  af- 
terwards not  less  distinguished  for  her  misfortunes.  She  pos- 
sessed a  mind  richly  endowed  and  highly  cultivated,  open  and 
generous.  The  munificence,  devotion,  and  chivalrous  spirit  of 
the  young  Marquis,  made  a  strong  impression  on  her  heart,  and 
she  became  his  greatest  admirer  and  protectress.  She  honored 
him  with  many  private  audiences,  and  was  extremely  inquisitive 
about  every  thing  relating  to  America,  and  particularly  as  to 
the  character  of  Washington.  This  was  a  theme  fruitful  in  it- 
self, which  excited  all  the  enthusiasm  of  La  Fayette,  and  flu 
partiality  of  the  friend  and  the  fidelity  of  the  soldier  were  man- 
ifested with  ardour  of  feeling,  earnestness  of  manner,  and  elo- 
quence of  language,  which  could  not  fail  of  making  a  deep  and 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  477 

lasting  impression  on  a  generous  and  susceptible  mind.  The 
queen  when  she  afterward  saw  Dr.  Franklin,  with  great  affa- 
bility observed,  "Doctor,  do  you  know  that  La  Fayette  has 
made  me  in  love  with  your  General  Washington?  What  a 
man  he  must  be,  and  what  a  friend  he  possesses  in  the  marquis?" 

He  arrived  at  Versailles  on  the  1 2th  of  February,  and  the 
next  morning  had  an  interview  with  one  of  the  ministers,  but 
did  not  see  the  king. 

The  cause  of  America,  at  this  time,  when  a  war  was  almost 
daily  expected  with  England,  being  universally  popular  in 
France,  La  Fayette  was  not  more  the  object  of  the  enthusiastic 
admiration  of  the  people,  than  of  the  respectful  attention  of  the 
king  and  the  ministry.  Count  de  Vergennes,  a  man  of  great 
talents  and  experience,  then  at  the  head  of  affairs,  had  frequent 
and  long  conferences  with  the  marquis,  in  which  the  latter  en- 
deavored to  convince  the  minister  of  the  policy,  even  as  it  res- 
pected the  interests  of  France,  of  sending  a  larger  force,  and 
more  ample  supplies,  to  the  assistance  of  the  Americans;  and 
particularly  of  the  necessity  of  submitting  the  direction  of  these 
forces  to  the  government  of  the  United  States.  This  last  point 
was  one  of  the  greatest  delicacy  and  difficulty;  but  being  se- 
conded in  his  endeavors  by  the  late  minister  to  the  United 
States,  and  his  numerous  friends,  he  at  length  succeeded  in  con- 
vincing the  ministers  of  the  expediency  and  propriety  of  the 
measures  recommended  by  him.  Accordingly,  orders  Avere  soon 
issued  for  the  equipment  of  a  large  fleet,  which  was  to  take  on- 
board a  numerous  body  of  troops. " 

These  measures  of  the  government  being  known,  the  spirit  of 
the  day,  the  influence  of  the  example  of  La  Fayette,  and  the 
fame  he  had  acquired  in  America,  produced  an  effect  not  more 
war  became  the  popular  subject  of  the  day,  and  a  perfect  mania 
novel  than  honorable  to  the  character  of  France.  The  American 
prevailed,  which  affected  all  classes;  but  the  young  nobilitv 
were  the  most  ardent  to  go  to  America,  and,  like  La  Fayette, 
to  distinguish  themselves  in  the  cause  of  liberty  in  the  nev, 
world,  struggling  to  defend  itself  against  the  mighty  efforts  of 
one  of  the  most  powerful  nations  on  the  globe.     The  American 


•1*78  MARQUIS  DE  hX  FAYETTE. 

war  was  the  favorite  object  of  ambition,  and  the  desire  to  en 
gage  in  it,  and  serve  under  General  Washington,  was  so  ardent" 
and  extensive,  as  to  occasion  the  same  exertion  and  intrigue  as 
usually  constitute  the  means  of  obtaining  the  most  desirable  sit- 
uations in  the  gift  of  the  government.  Thousands  of  applica- 
tions were,  from  necessity,  rejected.  The  influence  and  assis- 
tance of  La  Fayette  was  sought  on  all  hands;  he  was  surrounded 
with  applicants,  and  beset  with  solicitations  and  entreaties; — 
some  wished  for  one  birth  and  some  another;  some  as  aids-de- 
camp, others  as  secretaries,  &c. 

Doctor  Franklin,  the  American  minister,  was  extremely  per- 
plexed from  the  numerous  applications  made  to  him,  and  in  no 
small  degree  embarrassed  how  to  act  in  a  concern  of  so  much 
delicacy. 

After  a  short  tour  to  Auvergnc,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  hi:-, 
family  and  friends,  and  arranging  his  private  affairs,  he  returned 
to  Versailles,  then  the  regular  residence  of  the  king  and  royal 
family,  to  ask  permission  of  his  sovereign  to  revisit  America. 
Louis,  on  giving  his  consent,  informed  him  that  he  could  not  bet- 
ter serve  his  king,  than  by  serving  in  the  American  war.  He- 
soon  embarked  at  Havre,  in  a  government  frigate,  fitted  out  for 
the  purpose,  to  give  him  a  more  safe  and  honorable  passage. 
A  great  number  of  officers  went  out  with  him,  candidates  for 
honorable  fame,  and  he  carried  a  large  quantity  of  arms,  ammu- 
nition and  supplies  of  every  kind. 

The  resolution  of  congress  before  recited,  being  communica- 
ted to  Franklin,  he  took  the  necessary  measures  for  carrying 
into  effect  the  wishes  of  congress  before  Fayette  left  France. 
On  presenting  the  sword,  Franklin  addressed  to  Fayette  the 
following  letter,  written  in  his  usually  clear  and  forcible  style: 

Passy,  24th  August,  1779. 
"Sir — The  congress,  sensible  of  your  merit  towards  the  Uni- 
ted States,  but  unable  adequately  to  reward  it,  determined  to  pre- 
sent you  with  a  sword,  as  a  small  mark  of  their  grateful  ac- 
knowledgment. They  directed  it  to  be  ornamented  with  suit- 
able devices.  Some  of  the  principal  actions  of  the  war,  in 
which  you  distinguished  yourself  by  your  bravery  and  conduct. 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  47$ 

are,  therefore,  represented  upon  it.  These,  with  a  few  emble- 
matic figures,  all  admirably  well  executed,  make  its  principal 
value.  By  the  help  of  the  exquisite  artists  France  affords,  I 
find  it  easy  to  express  every  thing  but  the  sense  we  have  \)f  your 
zcorth,  and  our  obligations  to  you.  For  this,  figures,  ana  even 
words,  are  found  insufficient. 

"I  therefore  only  add,  that,  with  the  most  perfect  esteem  and 
respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obedient  servant, 

BENJAMIN  FRANKLIN." 

"P.  S.     My  grandson  goes  to  Havre  with  the  sword,and  will 
have  the  honor  of  presenting  it  to  you." 


CHAPTER  IV. 

He  arrives  at  Boston — his  reception — He  repairs  to  the  head  quarter^  of  the 
army — and  to  congress  with  the  official  intelligence  of  the  expccted\succors 
from  France — The  French  fleet  and  troops  arrive — their  landing  superinten- 
ded by  La  Fayette — His  letter  to  Samuel  Adams — He  commands  an  expe  • 
dition  to  the  south  to  oppose  Arnold — He  saves  Richmond — He  forms  a 
junction  with  Wayne — Saves  the  Military  stores  at  Albemarle — Cojnwallis 
retreats  and  is  followed  by  La  Fayette — Engagement  near  Williaireburgh-. 

La  Fayette  arrived  at  Boston  on  the  26th  of  April,  1779, 
and  landed  amidst  the  crowd  which  lined  the  harbor,  an<}  was 
conducted  with  great  parade,  the  roar  of  cannon,  the  ringing  oi 
bells,  and  the  display  of  fireworks,  to  the  suite  of  rooms  which 
had  been  prepared  for  him,  by  the  local  authorities.  The  re- 
turn of  this  disinterested  patriot,  and  early  and  faithful  friend 
of  America,  occasioned  the  warmest  enthusiasm  and  unbounded 
joy.  In  this  cradle  of  the  revolution,  he  was  hailed  as  the  pa- 
triot, hero,  and  friend  and  benefactor  of  America.  There  was 
no  place  in  the  union,  where  the  inhabitauts  were  more  heartily 
engaged  in  the  war,  than  Boston,  or  had  suffered  more  fro(n  the 
arrogance  of  power,  and  the  ravages  of  lawless  warfare;  and 
their  exasperated  feelings  toward  their  oppressors,  made  them 
more  enthusiastic  in  their  devotion  to  the  young  hero  arid  pa- 
triot, who  had  acted  so  distinguished  a  part  in  the  maintenance 


480  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

of  the  independence  and  liberty  of  the  country.  Illuminations, 
fire-works,  and  public  entertainments  were  among  the  visible 
testimonials  of  gratitude  and  joy;  they  were  not  like  the  empty 
pageants  of  royal  festivals  or  coronations,  but  were  the  sponta- 
neous effusions  of  free  and  honest  hearts  offered  as  grateful 
homage  to  one  who  had  rendered  such  important  services  to 
their  country.  The  honors  shown  to  La  Fayette  were  not  con- 
fined to  the  Bostonians;  the  citizens  of  all  the  neighboring 
towns,  and  surrounding  country,  collected  on  the  joyous  occa- 
sion, to  participate  in  the  demonstrations  of  gratitude  and 
respect. 

At  this  period,  it  could  scarcely  have  been  believed,  that  the 
man  who  was  thus  honored  as  the  nation's  friend  and  ben- 
efactor, after  the  lapse  of  forty-four  years,  would  by  the  same 
community,  be  welcomed  as  the  "Nation's  Guest,"  with  the 
exhibition  of  grateful  and  joyous  feelings,  if  possible,  more 
heart-felt  and  profound. 

On  the  11th  of  May,  he  communicated  confidentially  to 
Washington,  the  agreeable  intelligence  of  the  expected  succors 
from  France. 

But  these  scenes  of  rejoicing  and  respect  did  not  long  detain 
the  American  general ;  ardent  to  be  actually  engaged  in  the 
service  of  his  adopted  country,  he  soon  proceeded  to  the  head- 
quarters of  the  army  at  Morristown,  and  from  thence  to  the  seat 
of  government,  to  lay  before  congress  the  official  information 
that  the  French  government  was  preparing  to  send  a  respecta- 
ble naval  and  land  force  to  America,  to  assist  in  the  prosecution 
of  the  war.  Who  can  describe  the  interview  between  La  Fay- 
ette and  Washington;  kindred  spirits  and  co-patriots;  although 
born  in  different  hemispheres,  engaged  in  the  same  cause  of 
liberty  and  humanity — one  at  the  head  of  America,  the  other 
bringing  into  the  same  contest  the  auxiliary  power  of  France, 
both  having  staked  their  fortunes  and  their  lives  on  the  issue 
of  the  great  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged.  Their  first 
interview,  after  a  separation  of  some  time,  under  circumstances 
so  auspicious  to  that  cause,  produced  mutual  feelings  of  joy 
-:md  affection,  too  deep  and  glowing  to  be  described.     The  sub 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  481 

"joined  letters  to  Congress,  and  the  resolution  of  that  body, 
afford  some  evidence  of  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  at 
this  time. 

Head- Quarters,  Morristown,  May  13,  1780. 

"The  Marquis  La  Fayette  does  me  the  honor  to  take  charge 
of  this  note.  I  am  persuaded  Congress  will  participate  in  the 
joy  I  feel  at  the  return  of  a  gentleman  who  has  so  signally  distin- 
guished himself  in  the  service  of  this  country;  who  has  given 
so  many  and  so  decided  proofs  of  his  attachment  to  its  interests; 
and  who  ought  to  be  dear  to  it  by  every  motive.  The  warm 
friendship  I  have  for  him,  conspires  with  considerations  of  public 
utility  to  afford  me  a  double  satisfaction  in  his  return.  During 
the  time  he  has  been  in  France  he  has  uniformly  manifested  the 
same  zeal  in  our  affairs,  which  animated  his  conduct  while  he 
was  among  us;  and  has  been  upon  all  occasions,  an  essential 
friend  to  America.  He  merits,  and  I  doubt  not  congress  will 
give  him  every  mark  of  consideration  and  regard  in  their  power. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

To  His  Excellency,  the  President  of  Congress" 

«  Philadelphia,  Nay  16,1780. 

"  After  so  many  favors,  which,  on  every  occasion  and  particu- 
larly at  my  obtaining  leave  of  absence,  congress  were  pleased 
most  graciously  to  bestow  on  me,  I  dare  presume  myself  entitled 
to  impart  to  them  the  private  feelings,  which  I  now  so  happily 
experience. 

In  an  early  epoch  in  our  noble  contest,  I  gloried  in  the  name 
of  an  American  soldier;  and  heartily  enjoyed  the  honour  I  have 
of  serving  the  United  States;  ray  satisfaction  is,  at  this  long 
wished  for  moment  entirely  complete,  when  putting  an  end  to 
my  furlough,  1  have  been  able  again  to  join  my  colours,  under 
which  I  hope  for  opportunities  of  indulging  the  ardent  zeal,  the 
unbounded  gratitude,  the  warm,  and  I  might  say,  the  patriotic 
love,  by  which  I  am  forever  bound  to  America. 

I  beg  you,  sir,  to  present  Congress  with  a  new  assurance  of 

61 


482  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAlETTE. 

my  profound  respect  and  my  grateful  and  affectionate  sen- 
timents. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

LA  FAYETTE." 
In  congress  May  16,  1780.  "Resolved,  That  congress  con- 
sider the  return  of  the  Marquis  La  Fayette  to  America  to 
resume  his  command  in  the  army,  as  a  fresh  proof  of  the  distin- 
guished zeal  and  deserving  attachment  which  have  justly1 
recommended  him  to  the  public  confidence  and  applause;  and 
that  they  receive,  with  pleasure, a  tender  of  further  services  of 
so  gallant  and  meritorious  an  officer." 

The  military  operations  had  been  of  little  moment  during  the 
absence  of  La  Fayette;  but  the  events  in  Europe  had  the  most 
important  influence  on  the  American  cause.  Not  only  France 
and  Spain  had  acknowledged  the  independence  of  the  States, 
but  both  of  these  powers  had  united  in  a  declaration  of  war 
against  Great  Britain.  Bat  as  there  are  few  advantages  without 
some  accompanying  drawback,  these  events  in  Europe  whilst 
they  were  calculated  to  be  highly  beneficial  to  the  cause  of 
America,  and  diffused  a  spirit  of  joy  through  the  union,  occa- 
sioned too  great  expectations,  which  operated  unfavorably,  not 
only  on  the  people  but  on  congress.  Many  thought  the  war  with 
France  and  Spain  would  so  occupy  the  attention  and  means  of 
Great  Britain,  that  she  would  be  obliged  to  abandon  her  project 
of  coercing  her  revolted  colonies  into  submission.  Washington 
laboured  hard  to  convince  congress  of  the  folly  of  this  opinion; 
that  the  naval  superiority  of  Britain  over  France  and  Spain  both, 
would  render  the  war  with  them  of  less  consequence  than  was 
supposed:  and  that  this  event,  instead  of  occasioning  Britain  to 
relax,  would  induce  her  to  redouble  her  exertions,  and  call  forth 
all  her  energies  in  the  prosecution  of  the  war  with  America. — 
It  was  the  dictate  of  policy  as  well  as  safety,  to  prepare  for 
carrying  on  hostilities  on  a  broader  scale  than  had  yet  been 
done. 

On  the  13th  of  July,  Washington  received  intelligence  from 
New  York,  that  a  large  French  squadron  had  been  seen  off  the 
Capes  of  Virginia,  which  was  soon  followed  by  a  letter  from 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  4Q& 

Count  de  Rochambeau  and  Chevalier  de  Tiernay,  acquainting 
him  with  their  arrival.  And  what  rendered  this  intelligence 
more  important  and  agreeable,  Count  de  Rochambeau  informed 
Washington,  that  he  had  the  most  positive  orders  to  place  himself 
entirely  under  the  direction  of  the  American  congress.  La 
Fayette  was  requested  by  the  American  commander,  to  super- 
intend the  reception  of  his  countrymen ;  and  at  the  same  time 
had  confidential  instructions  to  propose  to  the  new  allies,  a 
combined  plan  of  operations  against  New  York,  then  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemy. 

The  first  division  of  the  French  fleet  arrived  at  Newport,  and 
consisted  of  two  ships  of  eighty  guns,  one  of  seventy-four,  four 
of  sixty-four,  two  frigates  of  forty,  several  smaller  vessels,  and 
thirty-two  transports,  under  the  command  of  Rear  Admiral  de 
Tiernay.  There  were  four  regimentsof  troops  on  board,besides 
the  Duke  de  Lauzun's  legion,  composed  of  volunteer  noblemen 
and  a  battalion  of  artillery,  with  a  complete  train  of  bombar* 
ding  and  field  pieces,  all  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant 
General  Rochambeau .  This  was  the  first  division  of  the  French 
squadron,  and  the  second  was  in  readiness  at  Brest,  waiting  fpr 
transports  to  convey  the  troops. 

The  two  commanders  were  equally  sensible  of  the  necessity 
©f  preserving  entire  harmony  between  the  American  and  French 
troops.  Washington  to  produce  unanimity  of  feeling,  as  well  as 
concert  of  action,  directed  his  soldiers  to  wear  with  the  conti- 
nental cockade  a  white  ribbon,  that  being  the  colour  of  the 
French  cockade.  The  services  of  La  Fayette  in  maintaining  a 
good  understanding  between  the  two  armies,  were  of  the  greatest 
importance.  Being  a  French  subject,and  an  American  general, 
he  was  regarded  as  belonging  equally  to  both  nations,  and  all 
delicate  orders  and  commissions  were  intrusted  to  hirn  to  exe- 
cute; which  was  always  done  with  great  circumspection  and 
fidelity.  By  the  express  direction  of  Washington,  he  informed 
the  French  general  of  the  low  condition  of  the  American  army. 

From  various  causes  and  unavoidable  difficulties,  the  contem- 
plated attack  on  New  York  was  abandoned,  and  the  year  '80 
glassed  away  without  any  military  operations  of  any  importance. 


4&t  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  Fayette,  he  was  appointed  to  the 
.command  of  the  light-infantry  and  dragoons,  being  the  most 
advantageous  situation  in  the  power  of  Washington  to  give  him ; 
but  he  performed  no  active  or  important  military  service  during 
that  year;  indeed  the  low  condition  of  the  American  army,  the 
depreciation  of  the  continental  currency,  the  prostration  of  pub- 
lic credit,  and  the  want  of  spirit  and  activity  among  the  people, 
not  only  formed  insuperable  obstacles  to  any  important  military 
operations,  but  were  calculated  to  produce  the  most  melancholy 
reflections,  in  the  mind  of  every  true  patriot.  No  one  perhaps, 
was  more  deeply  affected  with  this  depressed  and  gloomy  as- 
pect of  affairs,  than  La  Fayette.  The  state  of  the  cause  here, 
but  little  accorded  with  the  expectations  which  he  had  contrib- 
uted to  raise  in  France;  and  he  had  reason  to  fear  that  when 
his  countrymen  arrived  as  allies  to  the  Americans,  they  might 
be  so  disappointed,  that  they  would  feel  but  little  ardor  to  assist 
those,  who  appeared  to  be  doing  so  little  to  assist  themselves. 
He  may  also  have  apprehended,  that  from  this  depressed  state  of 
the  cause,  his  own  honor  might  be  impeached,  and  he  be  sub- 
jected to  the  imputation  of  having  deceived  his  sovereign  and 
his  countrymen,  as  to  the  real  condition  of  America. 

It  was  under  the  influence  of  these  alarming  circumstances, 
that,  soon  after  his  arrival  at  Morristown,  the  head-quarters  of 
the  army, he  wrote  the  following  letter  to  Samuel  Adams: 

Morristotvn,  May  30,  1780. 

Dear  Sir, — Had  I  known  that  I  would  have  the  pleasure  of 
meeting  you  at  Boston,  and  holding  confidential  conversations 
with  you  on  public  and  private  matters,  I  should  have  anticipa- 
ted the  uneasiness  I  was  put  under  by  the  obligation  of  secrecy, 
or  previously  obtained  the  leave  of  breaking  that  so  strict  laAV 
in  your  favor.  Now,  my  dear  sir,  that  Congress  have  set  my 
tongue  at  liberty,  at  least  for  such  men  as  Mr.  Samuel  Adams, 
I  will,  in  referring  you  to  a  public  letter  from  the  committee  of 
congress,  indulge  my  private  feelings  in  imparting  to  you  some 
confidential  ideas  of  mine  on  our  present  situation. 

As  momentary  visits  did  not  entirely  fulfil  the  purpose  of  free- 
ing America,  France  thought  they  would  render  themselves 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  *9| 

more  useful,  if  a  naval  and  land  force  were  sent  for,  co-operating 
with  our  troops,  and  by  a  longer  stay  on  the  coast  of  the  conti- 
nent, would  give  to  the  States  a  fair  opportunity  of  employing 
all  their  resources.  The  expectations  are  very  sanguine  at 
Versailles,  and  ought  to  be  more  so,  when  that  letter  shall  be 
received,  by  which  yon  know  Congress  engaged  to  famish  on 
their  pnrt  five  and  twenty  thousand  continental  troops,  that  are  to  take 
the  field  by  the  beginning  of  the  spring. 

On  the  other  hand,  my  dear  sir,  all  Europe  have  their  eyes 
upon  us:  They  know  nothing  of  us,  but  by  our  own  reports, 
and  our  first  exertions,  which  have  heightened  their  esteem,  and 
by  the  accounts  of  the  enemy,  or  those  of  some  dissatisfied  per- 
sons, which  were  calculated  to  give  them  a  quite  different  opin- 
ion: so  that,  to  fix  their  own  minds,  all  the  nations  are  now  look- 
ing at  us;  and  the  consequence  of  America,  in  the  eyes  of  the 
world,  as  well  as  its  liberty  and  happiness,  must  depend  upon 
the  ensuing  campaign. 

The  succor  sent  by  France,  I  thought  to  be  very  important 
when  at  Versailles:  now  that  I  am  on  the  spot,  I  know  it  was 
necessary ;  and  if  proper  measures  are  taken,  I  shall  more  hear- 
tily than  ever  enjoy  the  happiness  I  had  of  being  somewhat  con- 
cerned in  the  operation.  But  if  things  stood  as  they  now  do, 
I  confess  that  whether  as  an  American  soldier,  whether  as  a  pri- 
vate man  that  said  a  great  deal,  and  knows  Congress  have  or- 
dered much  more  to  be  said  on  the  future  exertions  of  America 
— who  took  a  particular  delight  in  praising  the  patriotic  spirit 
of  the  United  States,  I  would  feel  most  unhappy  and  distressed, 
were  I  to  tell  the  people  that  are  coming  over  full  of  ardor  and 
sanguine  hopes,  that  we  have  no  army  to  co-operate  with  them, 
no  provisions  to  feed  the  few  soldiers  that  are  left,  &c.  But  I 
hope,  my  dear  sir,  it  will  not  be  the  case;  and  more  particularly 
depending  on  the  exertions  of  your  slate,  /  know  Mr.  Samuel 
Adams'  influence  and  popularity  will  be,  as  heretofore,jemployed 
in  the  salvation  and  glory  of  America. 

If  proper  measures  are  taken  for  provisions,  if  the  states  do 
immediately  fill  up  the  continental  batiallions  by  good  drafts, 
which  is  by  far^khe  best  way;  if  all  the  propositions  of  the  com- 


46G  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

mittee  are  speedily  complied  with,  I  have  no  doubt,  but  that  the 
present  campaign  will  be  a  glorious,  decisive  one,  and  that  we 
may  hope  for  everything  that  is  good:  if,  on  the  contrary,  time 
be  lost,  consider  what  unhappy  and  dishonorable  consequences 
would  ensue  from  our  inability  to  a  co-operation. 

Your  state  began  the  noble  contest,  it  may  be  gloriously  ended 
by  your  state's  exertions,  and  the  example  they  will  once  more 
set  to  the  whole  continent.  The  reception  I  met  with  at  Boston, 
binds  me  to  it  by  the  strongest  tieS  of  a  grateful  affection.  The 
joy  of  my  heart  will  be  to  find  myself  concerned  in  an  expedi- 
tion, that  may  afford  peculiar  advantages  to  them;  and  I  earn- 
estly hope  it  will  be  the  case,  in  the  course  of  this  (if  proper 
measures  are  taken)  glorious  campaign. 

I  flatter  myself  you  will  be  yet  in  Boston,  and  upon  this  ex- 
pectation, I  very  much  depend  for  the  success  of  the  combined 
expeditions.  Such  a  crisis  is  worth  your  being  wholly  engaged 
in  it,  as  it  will  be  glorious,  important,  and,  I  may  say  it  now,  be- 
cause necessary  for  the  support  of  the  great  cause  in  which  you 
acted  so  early  and  decisive  a  part.  What  you  mentioned  con- 
fidentially to  me  at  Boston,  I  have  duly  noticed,  and  shall  ever 
remember  with  the  attention  of  a  friend.  For  fulfilling  the  same 
purpose,  I  wish  we  may  be  under  particular  obligations  to  you 
on  this  occasion. 

Give  me  leave,  my  dear  sir,  to  suggest  to  you  an  idea  which  I 
have  lately  thought  of:  all  the  continental  officers  labor  under 
the  most  shameful  want  of  clothing.  When  I  say  shameful,  it 
is  not  to  them,  who  have  no  money  to  buy — no  cloth  to  be 
bought.  You  can  conceive  what  may  be  theirs  and  our  feelings-, 
when  they  will  be  with  the  French  general  and  other  officers; 
and  from  a  general  idea  of  mankind  and  human  honor  it  is  ea- 
sily seen  how  much  we  should  exert  ourselves  to  pnt  the  officers 
of  the  army  in  a  more  decent  situation. 

I  beg,  my  dear  sir,  you  will  present  my  respects  to  your  fam- 
ily, and  believe  me  most  affectionatelv  yours, 

LA  FAYETTE- 

The  following  is  the  reply: 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  487 

Boston,  June,  1780. 

My  dear  marquis — Yesterday,  your  very  obliging  letter  of 
the  30th  May,  was  brought  to  me  by  Mons.  Guinard. 

The  succor  coming  from  France  will  be  so  seasonable  and 
important,  that  if  America  is  not  wanting  to  herself,  she  will 
have  it  in  her  power,  by  the  blessing  of  heaven,  to  gratify  the 
utmost  of  her  wishes.  His  most  Christian  Majesty's  expecta- 
tions from  us  must  needs  be  great;  and  gratitude  to  so  generous 
an  ally,  as  well  as  a  due  attention  to  our  own  safety,  interest  and 
honor,  lay  us  under  the  strongest  obligations  to  be  in  readiness 
to  co-operate  with  the  greatest  advantage.  I  have  long  been 
fully  sensible  of  your  most  cordial  and  zealous  attachment  to 
our  great  cause ;  and  to  your  personal  representation  to  his  Ma- 
jesty, in  addition  to  the  benevolence  of  his  royal  heart  I  will 
take  the  liberty  to  attribute  his  design  to  afford  us  such  aid  and 
for  so  long  a  time  as  may  put  it  in  our  powetf  to  employ  all  our 
resources  against  the  enemy. 

It  fortunately  happened  that  the  General  Assembly  of  this 
state  was  sitting  when  the  letter  and  enclosures  from  the  com- 
mittee of  Congress  came  to  the  President  of  the  Council. 
They  were  immediately  laid  before  the  Assembly,  and  I  have 
'the  pleasure  to  assure  you  that  the  filling  our  battalions  by  an 
immediate  draft,  furnishing  the  army  with  provisions,  and  every 
other  measure  for  the  fulfilling  of  the  just  expectations  of  your 
sovereign  and  of  Congress,  on  this  most  important  occasion  are 
the  objects  of  their  closest  attention.  I  had  for  several  months 
past  been  flattering  myself  with  the  prospect  of  this  aid.  It 
strongly  impressed  my  mind  from  one  circumstance  which  took 
place  when  you  was  at  Philadelphia  the  last  year.  But  far  from 
certainty,  I  could  only  express  to  some  confidential  friends  here, 
a  distant  hope,  though  as  I  conceived  not  without  some  good 
effect:  at  least  it  seemed  to  enliven  our  spirits  and  animate  its 
for  so  great  a  crisis. 

If  it  were  possible  for  one  to  be  forgetful  of  our  all  important; 
cause  for  a  moment,  my  particular  friendship  for  you  would  be 
a  prevailing  inducement  with  me,  to  make  my  utmost  feeble  ex- 
ertions to  prevent  your  disappointment  after  the  great  pains  you 


*S8  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

have  taken  to  serve  us.  I  have  endeavored,  and  shall  continue 
those  endeavors  while  I  stay  here,  to  brighten  the  dark  side  ot* 
the  picture  which  your  imagination  has  painted  in  one  part  of 
your  letter  before  me — God  forbid  that  we  should  be  obliged  to 
tell  our  friends  when  they  arrive,  that  we  have  not  a  sufficient 
army  to  co-opera  e  with  them,  nor  provision  to  feed  the  few 
soldiers  that  are  left.  I  think  I  may  venture  to  predict  that  this 
state  will  comply  with  the  requisition  upon  her  to  give  the  ut- 
most respectability  to  our  army  on  so  promising  an  occasion.  I 
was  in  the  Council  Chamber  when  I  received  your  letter,  and 
took  the  liberty  to  read  some  parts  of  it  to  the  members  present. 
I  will  communicate  other  parts  of  it  to  some  leading  members 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  as  prudence  may  dictate,  par- 
ticularly what  you  mention  of  the  officers'  want  of  clothing. 

I  thank  you,  my  dear  sir,  for  the  friendly  remembrance  you 
had  of  the  hint  I  gave  you  when  you  was  here.  Be  pleased  to 
pay  my  most  respectful  compliments  to  the  Commander-in-chief, 
his  family,  &c.  and  be  assured  of  the  warm  affection  of  youi 
obliged  friend  and  very  humble  servant, 

SAMUEL  ADAMS.' 

Marquis  de  La  Fayette. 

The  Legislature  of  Massachusetts  soon  after  adopted  a  reso- 
lution for  raising  four  thousand  men,  to  reinforce  the  continental 
army,  affording  a  bounty  to  those  who  might  enlist,  and  subject- 
ing those  who  might  be  drafted  and  should  refuse  to  march,  to  a 
fine;  the  select-men  of  the  towns  were  required  to  furnish 
clothing  and  travelling  expenses.  These  patriotic  measures 
were  occasioned  by  the  pressing  letter  of  La  Fayette,  together 
with  their  own  sense  of  the  alarming  necessity  of  the  country. 

General  Arnold,  the  arch  traitor,  having  distinguished  himself 
by  his  predatory  incursion  in  Connecticut,  marked  with  plunder, 
robbery,  murder,  and  every  species  of  desolation,  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  year  '80,  was  sent  on  a  similar  depredatory  expedi' 
tion  to  Virginia.  After  committing  devastations  at  Richmond, 
Smithfield,  and  elsewhere,  worthy  of  his  character,  he  estab- 
lished himself  at  Portsmouth.  Gen>La  Fayette,  in  December, 
was  sent  at  the  head  of  an  expedition,  to  oppose  his  desolating 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  489 

progress.  The  meditated  attack  on  Portsmouth,  in  which  the 
co-operation  of  the  French  squadron  was  relied  upon,  was  aban- 
doned in  consequence  of  the  result  of  a  naval  action,  between 
the  French  squadron  and  that  of  the  enemy  under  Admiral 
Arbuthnot.  La  Fayette  returned  to  the  head  of  Elk,  where  he 
received  the  orders  of  Washington,  to  repair  to  Virginia,  to 
oppose  General  Phillips,  who  embarked  at  Portsmouth,  with 
3,000  troops,  to  attack  Richmond..  La  Fayette  was  greatly  em- 
barrassed and  distressed;  his  army  was  not  only  greatly  inferior 
to  the  enemy,  but  was  destitute  of  every  thing?  coats,  shoes, and 
but  poorly  supplied  with  provision.  The  soldiers  were  all  bare- 
foot, there  was  not  one  pair  of  shoes  in  the  army ;  and  he  had 
no  funds  or  means  of  supplying  these  pressing  wants  of  his 
troops.  But  such  was  the  affection  of  the  soldiers  for  their  Gen- 
eral, that  they  bore  all  their  severe  sufferings  without  a  murmur. 
He  procured  a  loan  of  two  thousand  guineas  on  his  private 
credit  in  Baltimore,  and  supplied  the  most  urgent  wants  of  his 
troops;  and  immediately  proceeded,  with  the  greatest  despatch, 
for  Richmond,  which  he  believed  the  first  object  of  the  enemy^ 
incursion,  and  arrived  the  day  before  the  British  made  their  ap- 
pearance, and  thus  saved  the  capital  of  Virginia,  then  the  gen- 
eral deposit  of  the  military  supplies  of  the  state.  The  next 
morning  General  Philips  entered  Manchester,  directly  opposite 
Richmond ;  but  the  Marquis  had  taken  so  strong  a  position,  he 
did  not  deem  it  advisable  to  hazard  an  attack,  but  soon  moved 
off. 

At  this  period  Virginia  was  invaded  by  Cornwallis,  Phillips, 
and  Arnold,  whose  united  forces  were  immensely  superior  not 
only  to  those  under  the  actual  command  of  La  Fayette,  but  to 
any  force  he  could  reasonably  expect  to  avail  himself  of.  From 
appearances,  Virginia  would  be  speedily  overrun,  and  entirely 
conquered:  an  event  which  would  have  been  attended  with  the 
most  serious  consequences:  the  conquest  of  Virginia  would  have 
terminated  all  resistance  in  the  southern  states.  Fully  sensible 
of  this,  La  Fayette  felt  the  difficulty  and  responsibility  of  his 
situation;  he  had  but  1,000  continentals,  2,000  militia,  and  60 
dragoons.     General  Phillips  died  soon  after  he  left  Richmond- 

62 


i'.MJ  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

and  his  detachment  being  united  with  the  troops  of  Cornwallis, 
his  lordship  proceeded  towards  Petersburg.  From  the  rein- 
forcements he  had  received,  his  force  amounted  to  8,000  men ; 
he  felt  the  greatest  assurance  of  success,  and  did  not  disguise  his 
contempt  for  his  adversary.  In  some  of  his  letters  he  observed, 
"'  The  boy  cannot  possibly  escape  me."  La  Fayette,  with  the  force 
he  had,  was  sensible  he  could  do  no  more  than  watch  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy:  he  moved  from  Richmond  to  Chichahominy, 
where  he  hoped  to  form  a  junction  with  General  Wayne,  who 
had  been  ordered  from  the  north  to  reinforce  the  army  in  Vir- 
ginia. Cornwallis  strained  every  nerAe  to  prevent  this  junction, 
and  to  bring  La  Fayette  to  action  before  it  could  be  effected, 
pursued  him  with  great  rapidity.  But  he  found  "  the  boy"  a 
match  for  himself;  was  foiled  in  all  his  attempts,  Fayette  having 
succeeded  in  uniting  his  forces  with  those  of  General  Wayne, 
at  Raccoon  Ford,  without  any  loss.  Cornwallis,  by  a  hasty 
movement,  threw  himself  between  the  American  army  and  the 
public  magazines,  with  the  view  to  cut  off  the  communications 
between  them;  but  Fayette,  by  opening  an  old  road  which  was 
disused,  and  forced  marches,  passed  the  British  army,  and  to  the 
astonishment  of  Cornwallis,  secured  a  strong  position  between 
his  troops  and  the  American  magazines,  at  Albemarle  court- 
house. Having  failed  in  all  his  plans,  the  British  General  re- 
turned to  Richmond,  and  from  thence  to  Williamsburg,  whither 
he  was  followed  by  the  Marquis.  Here  he  received  orders  for 
a  part  of  his  forces  to  return  to  New  York,  Henry  Clinton  be- 
ing apprehensive  of  an  attack  from  the  combined  armies  of 
America  and  France.  Cornwallis  attempted  to  deceive  Fay- 
ette by  a  stratagem,  and  draw  him  into  an  engagement;  he 
knew  the  American  general  would  attack  his  rear  guard,  when 
his  main  army  was  passing  the  ford  to  the  Island  of  Jamestown: 
he  accordingly  made  such  dispositions  as  were  calculated  to  lead 
General  La  Eayette  to  suppose  that  the  principal  part  of  his 
army  had  crossed,  when  he  had  detained  them,  expecting  that 
from  this  deception,  Fayette  would  attack  him.  The  stratagem, 
however,  did  not  deceive  La  Fayette,  but  General  Wayne* 
who  had  been  detached  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  position,  sup- 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  491 

posing  that  the  rear  guard  of  the  enemy  only  remained,  from 
slight  skirmishing,  soon  found  himself  engaged  with  the  whole 
British  line.  La  Fayette  proceeded  himself  to  reconnoitre  the 
enemy,  and  discovering  the  stratagem,  he  immediately  ordered 
Wayne  to  retreat,  and  the  British  general  suspecting  an  am- 
buscade, did  not  pursue.  Thus  by  the  circumspection  and  cau- 
tion of  La  Fayette,  this  artful  scheme  of  Cornwallis  was  defeated, 
and  the  troops  under  General  Wayne  rescued  from  the  most  im- 
minent danger. 

The  gallantry  of  Wayne,  and  his  detachment,  was  acknowl- 
edged by  La  Fayette  in  the  general  orders  issued  the  8th  of  July. 
"The  general  is  happy  to  acknowledge  the  spirit  of  the  detach- 
ment under  Gen.  Wayne,  in  their  engagement  with  the  whole  of 
the  British  army,  of  which  he  was  an  eye  witness.  He  requests 
General  Wayne,  and  the  officers  and  men  under  his  command, 
to  accept  his  best  thanks.  The  bravery  and  destructive  fire 
of  the  riflemen  rendered  essential  service,  and  the  fire  of  the 
lie;ht-infantry  checked  the  enemy's  progress  round  our  right 
flank.  The  general  was  much  pleased  with  the  conduct  of 
Captain  Savage,  of  the  artillery,  and  is  satisfied  that  nothing 
but  the  loss  of  horses  occasioned  that  of  the  two  field  pieces. 
The  zeal  of  Col.  Mercer's  corps,  is  fully  expressed  in  the  num- 
ber of  horses  he  had  killed." 


CHAPTER  V. 

Cornwallis  encamps  at  Yorktown,  and  is  followed  by  La  Fayette  to  Williams-  • 
burgh — is  reinforced  by  the  allied  troops  disembarked  from  the  French  fleet 
— Siege  of  Yorktown — Activity  of  La  Fayette-  he  storms  a  redoubt — ca- 
pitulation of  Cornwallis,  who  proposes  to  surrender  his  sword  to  La  Fayette 
— He  repairs  to  Philadelphia,  and  signifies  to  Congress  his  desire  of  return- 
ing to  France — resolution  of  Congress  and  his  reply — he  embarks — Great 
respect  shown  him  in  France — makes  a  tour  in  Germany — visits  Frederick 
the  Great — and  is  present  at  his  Grand  Review — After  his  return,  exerts  him- 
self to  have  France  send  further  succors  to  the  United  States — proceeds  to 
Cadiz  to  accompany  Count  D'Estaing,  with  a  large  fleet,  to  America,  which 
stopped  by  peace — Visits  the  United  States  in  1784 — respect  shown  him  in 
various  places — visits  Mount  Vernon— honour  shown  him  by  Congress,  on 
bis  taking  leave  of  the  country. 

A  combined  attack  on  New  Vork  had  been  mnrHvrd  in  tlie 


492  MARQUtS  DE  LA  FAYETTE 

spring,  immediately  after  the  arrival  of  the  French  and  niatu 
red  a1  Harford  and  Wethersfield,  in  Connecticut;  Generai 
Washington,  the  Count  de  Rochamheau,  La  Fayette,  and  a  great 
number  of  American  officers  having  spent  some  time  in  Connec 
ticut  on  this  business.  Fortunately  this  object  was  given  up, 
and  the  combined  armies  agreed  to  direct  their  united  forces 
against  the  British  army  in  Virginia.  This  wits  so  managed  as 
to  deceive  Sir  Henry  Clinton  with  appearances  of  an  attack  on 
New  York,  and  thus  prevent  him  from  reinforcing  Cornwallis. 
Oo  the  30th  of  August,  at  Chester,  on  their  march  to  the  south, 
Washington  and  R  •chambeau  received  the  #  agreeable  intelli- 
gence of  the  arrival  of  Admiral  De  Grasse  in  the  Chesapeake 
with  a  squadron  of  twenty-four  ships  of  the  line.  Immediately 
3,000  French  troops  were  disembarked,  commanded  b}  the 
Marquis  de  St.  Simon,  and  soon  formed  a  junction  with  the 
American  army  under  La  Fayette.  Cornwallis  at  this  time  was 
encamped  at  Yorktown,  where  he  had  collected  all  his  forces, 
and  he  had  been  followed  to  Williamsburg  by  La  Fayette,  who, 
although  unable  to  engage  the  enemy,  pursued  him  wherever 
he  went,  and  checked  his  designs.  The  arrival  of  the  French 
squadron,  and  the  large  reinforcement  he  received,  rilled  the 
heart  of  La  Fayette  with  joy,  and  inspired  him  with  hopes  oi 
a  glorious  campaign. 

On  the  arrival  of  Washington  and  Count  de  Rochambeau, 
they  went  on  board  Count  de  Grasse's  flag  ship,  to  determine 
on  future  operations,  which  was  followed  by  the  movement  of 
the  combined  army  upon  York  and  Gloucester,  and  at  the  same 
time  the  fleet  moved  up  to  the  mouth  of  James  River,  having 
just  been  reinforced  by  eight  ships  of  the  line,  under  Count  de 
Barras,  from  Rhode-Island. 

The  seige  of  Yorktown  was  thus  commenced,  which  reflected 
such  lustre  on  the  gallantry  and  spirit  of  the  combined  armies, 
and  terminated  the  most  glorious  revolution  in  the  history  of  the 
human  race. 

Having  formed  his  first  parallel,  Washington  commenced  the 
second,  with  great  activity,  on  the  1 1  th  of  September.  Alarmed 
at  the   despatch  of  the  beseigers,  Cornwallis  opened  all  hie 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  493 

batteries  to  stop  their  progress.  His  fire  from  two  redoubts  was" 
particularly  annoying,  and  Washington  determined  to  carry 
them.  To  excite  emulation,  and  avoid  all  cause  of  jealousy, 
the  attack  of  one  was  committed  to  the  French,  under  Baron  de 
Viominel,  and  the  other  to  a  detachment  of  Americans  under 
La  Fayette,  who  led  them  to  the  assault  in  person.  This  attack 
was  made  with  such  vigour  and  spirit  that  the  assailants,  without 
firing  a  gun,  forced  their  way  over  the  abattis  and  palisades,  into 
the  redoubt,  and  made  the  whole  party,  consisting  of  sixty  men 
under  Major  Campbell,  prisoners,  with  the  loss  of  only  nine  men 
killed  and  thirty-two  wounded.  The  detachment  had  been 
reminded  of  the  massacre  of  the  garrison  at  fort  Griswold,  at 
New-London ;  but  La  Fayette,  Hamilton  and  Laurens  possessed 
too  much  humanity  to  imitate  deeds  of  ruthlessness  and  bar- 
barity, or  to  take  the  lives  of  men  who  begged  for  quarters, 
even  by  way  of  retaliation.  The  assault  on  the  other  redoubt 
was  equally  successful,  although  not  without  considerable  loss 
on  the  part  of  the  French,  the  enemy  being  much  more  numerous, 
and  their  defence  consequently  more  persevering  and  obstinate. 
The  French  lost  tOO  killed  and  wounded;  about  half  of  the 
enemy  escaped,  and  the  other  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  assailants. 
The  coolness  and  gallantry  displayed  by  both  parties,  excited 
the  applause  of  the  commander-in-chief;  he  expressed  to  La 
Fayette  and  de  Viominel  the  high  sense  he  had  of  their  intrepid 
and  able  conduct,  and  desired  them  to  convey  his  acknowledge- 
ments to  their  respective  detachments.  In  his  orders  he  observes, 
"  The  general  reflects  with  the  highest  degree  of  pleasure,  on 
the  confidence  which  the  troops  of  the  two  nations  must  have  in 
each  other.  Assured  of  mutual  support,  he  is  convinced  there 
is  no  danger  which  they  will  not  cheerfully  encounter,  no  diffi- 
culty which  they  will  not  bravely  overcome." 

As  the  last  effort,  Cornwallis  having  attempted  to  escape  by 
passing  in  the  night  his  whole  army  over  on  to  Gloucester 
Point,  and  being  frustrated  by  a  storm,  finding  that  even  the 
elements  seemed  to  have  conspired  against  him,  the  proud  spirit 
of  his  lordship  was  obliged  to  yield  to  a  destiny  which  he  could 
no  longer  control. 


404  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

On  the  19th  of  Ociober,  '81,  just  four  years  from  the  conveiu, 
tion  of  Saratoga,  a  second  British  army  of  more  than  seven 
thousand  men,  was  surrendered  to  the  allied  forces  of  France 
and  America.  Such  was  the  fate  of  an  army,  whose  career  had 
long  been  successful,  proud  and  triumphant;  which  had  spread 
terror  and  devastation  over  a  vast  extent  of  country;  that  at 
one  period  had  nearly  conquered  all  the  southern  states,  and 
wrhose  path  was  traced  by  ruin,  desolation  and    blood. 

In  this  memorable  seige,  La  Fayette  wa«  particularly  active 
and  serviceable,  and  was  one  of  the  officers  who  were  honorably 
noticed  by  the  commander-in-chief,  as  having  distinguished 
themselves  by  their  intrepid  and  heroic  conduct.  In  the 
universal  joy  which  this  great  event  occasioned,  throughout  the 
United  States,  no  one,  perhaps,  rejoiced  more  sincerely  than 
this  youthful  patriot  and  hero,  this  early  and  steadfast  friend  of 
America.  He  received  the  thanks,  not  only  of  Washington,  but 
of  Congress,  for  his  gallant  and  heroic  conduct;  and  the  State 
of  Virginia,  afterward  presented  him  with  a  bust,  for  his  servi- 
ces in  defence  of  that  State,  against  the  incursions  and  ravages 
of  a  lawless  enemy.  His  merit  was  also  acknowledged  by  the 
enemy,  as  Lord  Cornwallis  was  particularly  desirous  of  treating 
with  La  Fayette  alone,  and  surrendering  his  sword  into  his 
hands ;  but  the  modesty  of  the  youthful  hero  declined  an  honour 
wnich  he  considered  belonged  to  another. 

In  November  the  Marquis  repaired  to  Philadelphia,  where  he 
was  received  with  the  warmest  manifestations  of  gratitude  and 
eclat.  He  soon  signified  to  the  Congress  his  desire  of  returning 
again  to  France;  on  which  occasion,  the  resolution  adopted  by 
that  body,  is  too  honorable  a  testimony  of  his  merits  and  of  the 
unlimited  confidence  reposed  in  him  by  Congress,  to  be  omitted 
in  a  memoir  of  his  life. 

In  Congress,  November,  1781. 
Resolved,  That  Major  General  La  Fayette  have  permission 
to  go  to  France,  and  to  return  at  such  time  as  may  be  most 
agreeable  to  himself — that  he  be  informed,  that,  on  a  view  of 
his  conduct  throughout  the  past  campaign,  and  particularly 
during  the  period  in  which  he  had  the  chief  command  in  Vir- 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  4^5 

ginia,  the  many  new  proofs  which  present  themselves  of  his 
zealous  attachment  to  the  cause  he  has  espoused,  and  of  his 
judgment,  vigilance,  gallantry,  and  address  in  its  defence,  have 
greatly  added  to  the  high  opinion  entertained  by  Congress  of 
his  merits  and  military  talents — that  he  make  known  to  the 
officers  and  troops  whom  he  commanded  during  that  period, 
that  the  brave  and  enterprising  services,  with  which  they  secon- 
ded his  zeal  and  efforts,  and  which  enabled  him  to  defeat  the 
attempts  of  an  enemy,  far  superior  in  numbers,  have  been  beheld 
by  Congress  with  particular  satisfaction  and  approbation.  That 
the  secretary  of  foreign  affairs  acquaint  the  Ministers  Plenipo- 
tentiaries of  the  United  States,  that  it  is  the  desire  of  Congress 
that  they  confer  with  the  Marquis  La  Fayette,  and  avail  of  his 
information,  relative  to  the  situation  of  public  affairs  in  the 
United  States.  That  the  secretary  for  foreign  affairs,  further 
acquaint  the  Minister  Plenipotentiary  at  the  court  of  Versailles, 
that  he  will  conform  to  the  intention  of  Congress,  by  consulting 
with,  and  employing  the  assistance  of  the  Marquis  La  Fayette, 
in  accelerating  the  supplies  which  may  be  afforded  by  his  most 
Christian  Majesty  for  the  United  States.  That  the  superinten- 
dent of  finance,  the  secretary  for  foreign  affairs  and  the  board 
of  war,  make  such  communications  to  the  Marquis,  touching  the 
affairs  of  their  respective  departments,  as  will  best  enable  him 
to  fulfil  the  purpose  of  the  preceding  resolutions.  That  the  su- 
perintendent of  finance,  take  order  for  discharging  the  engage- 
ments entered  into  by  the  Marquis  La  Fayette,  with  the  mer- 
chants of  Baltimore,  when  he  borrowed  money  of  them  on  his 
own  credit,  to  supply  our  troops  with  necessaries.'' 

At  the  same  time,  Congress  ordered  that  a  conveyance  be 
provided  for  General  La  Fayette,  in  a  public  vessel,  whenever 
he  should  choose  to  embark;  and  voted  to  send  a  letter  by  him 
to  the  king  of  France. 

The  following  is  the  reply  of  the  Marquis  to  the  President  of 
Congress,  who  forwarded  him  the  resolves: 

"Sir — I  have  been  honored  with  tho  resolutions  which  Con- 
gress have  been  pleased  to  pass  in  my  favor.  Testimonies  of 
their  esteem  and  their  confidence  that  are  so  very  flattering  to 


496  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

mc,  could  not  but  excite  those  exalted  sentiments  of  gratitude 
which  I  am  unable  sufficiently  to  express.  My  attachment  to 
America,  the  sense  of  my  obligations,  and  the  new  favors  con- 
ferred upon  me,  are  so  many  everlasting  ties  that  devote  me 
to  her.  At  all  times,  and  in  every  part  of  the  world,  my  heart 
will  be  panting  for  opportunities  to  be  employed  in  her  service. 
With  unspeakable  pleasure  I  shall  transmit  the  resolve  of  Con- 
gress to  the  brave  and  virtuous  troops,  whom  it  has  been  my 
happiness  to  command. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

LA  FAYETTE. 

The  foregoing  resolution  of  Congress  he  transmitted  to  the 
troops,  lately  under  his  command;  in  doing  which  he  remarks: 
"In  the  moment  the  major-general  leaves  this  place,  he  wishes 
once  more  to  express  his  gratitude  to  the  brave  corps  of  light- 
infantry,  who,  for  nine  months  past,  have  been  the  companions 
of  his  fortunes.  He  can  never  forget,  that,  with  them  alone, 
of  regular  troops,  he  had  the  good  fortune  to  manoeuvre  before 
an  army,  which,  after  all  its  reductions,  was  still  six  times 
more  numerous  than  the  regular  force  he  had  under  command." 

It  being  evident  that  the  American  revolutionary  struggle 
was  drawing  to  a  close,  in  December, '81,  he  embarked  the  sec- 
ond time  for  France,  leaving  the  grateful  homage  of  one 
country,  to  receive  the  admiration  and  applause  of  another. 

On  his  arrival  in  France,  he  was  received  with  that  enthusi- 
astic manifestation  of  respect  and  applause,  which  his  achieve- 
ments and  fame  were  calculated  to  inspire.  His  chivalrous  he- 
roism, and  ardent  attachment  to  liberty,  were  not  more  conspic- 
uous than  his  modesty,  a  trait  for  which  his  countrymen  are  not 
very  distinguished ;  yet,  nevertheless,  in  so  young  a  man,  it  in- 
creased his  reputation,  even  with  Frenchmen.  Having  related 
to  the  king  a  long  account  of  the  events  and  progress  of  the 
American  war,  without  having  said  one  word  about  himself,  his 
majesty  could  not  forbear  to  remark:  "But  pray  sir,  where  were 
you  all  this  time?" 

He  remained  six  weeks  in  Paris,  dering  which  time,  having 
received  continually  the  most  distinguished  honors  and  atten 


Marquis  de  la  fayette.  49? 

tion  from  all  classes,  from  the  king  to  the  street-porter,  from  the 
inhabitants  of  "  gorgeous  palaces"  to  the  wretched  i  invites  of 
garrets  a  id  cellars,  he  became  surfeited  with  applause,  and 
anxious  to  realize  tiie  more  quiet  and  substantial  enjoyments 
which  he  could  find  only  in  the  bosom  of  his  family. 

Li  the  universal  respect,  shown  to  the  youthful  hero  of  Amer- 
ica, M  idame  La  Fayette  came  in  for  a  share.  At  a  large  as- 
'  semuly,at  the  Duke  Choisuel's,  Voltaire  publicly  complimented 
her  on  the  patriotic  virtues  of  her  husband.  Louis  was  so  sat- 
isfied with  the  conduct  of  the  Marquis  in  America,  that  he  be- 
stowed on  him  many  favors;  and  the  queen  was  so  delighted 
with  him  that  she  presented  iiim  with  her  miniature. 

His  journey  from  Paris  to  his  estates  in  Lorraine,  with  his 
wife  and  son  George,  then  three  years  of  age,  was  one  con- 
tinued triumph,  notwithstanding  his  intention,  and  the  precau- 
tions he  made  use  of,  to  have  it  entirely  private.  Every  where 
bells  were  rung,  processions  formed,  and  crowds  assembled 
around  him,  crying  "long  live  La  Fayette!"  At  the  city  of 
Orleans  he  was  detained  nearly  a  week,  by  the  festivities  pre- 
prepared  for  him. 

In  the  year  '82,  he  made  a  tour  to  Germany,  and  visited  many 
of  the  German  princes,  all  of  whom  received  him  with  atten- 
tion; but  his  more  particular  object  was  to  see  Frederick  the 
Great,  whose  character  had  long  attracted  general  attention  in 
Europe.  He  was  present  at  Pottsdam,  during  the  grand  re- 
view, when  50,000  men  were  assembled  under  the  immediate 
command  of  the  king.  During  three  days,  various  evolutions 
of  battles,  sieges  and  assaults,  were  gone  through  with,  and  un- 
der the  eye  and  direction  of  the  Great  Frederick,  mounted  on  bis 
white  charger,with  his  little  three-cornered  cocked  bat,histhread 
bare  blue  jacket,  and  his  opera  glass  in  his  hand.  This  was  a 
grand,  and  highly  interesting  exhibition;  the  "tented  field," 
formed  by  their  encampment,  resembled  an  immense  city. 
These  reviews  took  place  every  autumn,  and  attracted  numer- 
ous strangers,  and  foreigners  of  distinction.  It  is  on  these  oc- 
casions, that  all  promotions,  rewards,  punishments,  and  discipli* 
63 


498  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

narv  regulations,  were  published,  by  being  three  times  read  at 
the  head  of  eacii  company. 

Frederick  was  no  sooner  informed  that  La  Fayette  was  pres- 
ent, than  he  despatched  an  aid-de-camp  to  invite  him  to  the 
palace  of  Sans  Souci.  In  a  long  audience  which  he  had  with 
Frederick,  the  latter,  after  complimenting  La  Fayette,  ex- 
pressed his  admiration  of  Washington,  and  presenting  his  min- 
iature, set  in  diamonds,  to  La  Fayette,  he  observed,  "that  since  i 
he  must  be  separated  from  the  general,  he  hoped  this  little  me- 
mento would  sometimes  recall  him  <o  recollection." 

The  respect  manifested  by  Frederick,  considering  his  despotic 
principles  and  severe  character,  for  Washington  and  La  Fay- 
ette, the  two  great  champions  of  liberty,  is  creditable  to  him. 
and  could  only  have  proceeded  from  the  admiration  which  true 
greatness  always  shows  to  genius  and  distinguished  talent, 
wherever  they  may  be  found. 

La  Fayette,  in  his  travels  and  observations  of  the  affairs  of 
Europe,  did  not  for  a  moment  lose  sight  of  the  interests  of 
America;  and  early  in  the  year  '83,  after  his  return  to  France, 
from  his  tour,  manifested  great  anxiety  to  have  the  treaty  of 
peace  between  Great  Britain  and  America  and  France,  dcii 
nitely  ratified,  the  preliminaries  of  which  had  been  entered  into 
the  preceding  year.  He  apprehended  that  the  Court  of  St. 
James  did  not  intend  to  ratify  the  treaty,  and  urged  on  the 
French  government  the  propriety  of  affording  additional  assist- 
ance to  America,  as  a  means  of  inducing  Britain  to  conclude 
the  treaty.  Accordingly  La  Fayette  was  permitted  to  return 
to  America  once  more,  and  orders  were  given  to  Count  D'Es- 
taing  to  hold  himself  in  readiness  to  proceed  from  Cadiz,  with 
his  fleet  and  troops  on  board,  to  the  United  States,  as  soon  as 
La  Fayette  might  join  him.  But  the  treaty  being  ratified,  the 
expedition  was,  of  course  abandoned.  He  went  to  Cadiz, 
where,  he  found  forty-nine  ships  and  twenty  thousand  men  ready 
to  follow  him,  and  which  would  have  been  in  America  early  in 
the  spring,  had  not  peace  been  concluded.  He  communicated 
the  first  intelligence  of  this  event  to  Congress,  by  a  letter  dated 
Cadiz,  February  5,  1785T. 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  49!) 

The  great  object  of  the  war  being  obtained,  the  independ- 
ence and  freedom  of  the  United  States  of  America  acknowledged 
and  established,  those  who  had  been  the  compatriots  and  asso- 
ciates in  arms  in  the  United  States  with  La  Fayette,  in  this  great 
and  glorious  cause,  were  very  anxious  of  embracing  him  once 
more  on  that  soil,  now  no  longer  marked  with  the  traces  of  op- 
pression, which  had  been  the  theatre  of  their  united  toils,  suf- 
ferings and  triumphs.  La  Fayette  was  not  less  desirous  to  re- 
visit a  country  that  he  had  found  oppressed,  and  struggling  for 
its  rights,  and  which  he  had  contributed  to  render  independent, 
sovereign  and  free.  The  pressing  invitation  of  Washington,  and 
many  other  friends,  was  accordingly  accepted,  and,  having  ar- 
ranged his  affairs,  in  July,  'S4,  he  embarked  from  Havre  for 
America  the  third  time. 

There  are  few,  if  any,  examples  in  history,  of  an  individual 
who  has  assisted,  by  his  services,  his  fortune  and  his  blood,  to 
secure  the  independence,  liberty  and  peace  of  a  foreign  and  dis- 
tant people,  revisiting  the  same  people,  on  their  pressing  solici- 
tations, as  the  "guest  of  the  nation,"  to  witness  the  fruits  of  his 
labors,  the  blessings  of  peace  and  freedom,  and  receive  the 
gratitude  and  homage  of  millions,  in  the  enjoyment  of  these 
blessings.  This  distinguished  honor  and  distinguished  felicity, 
La  Fayette  has  twice  enjoyed. 

He  arrived  at  New  York,  after  a  passage  of  thirty-four  days, 
on  the  fourth  of  August,  1734.  The  knowledge  of  his  arrival 
was  communicated  with  rapidity,  and  he  immediately  was  sur- 
rounded by  the  officers  and  citizens,  who  welcomed  his  return, 
and  offered  to  him  their  congratulations.  The  day  following 
his  arrival,  a  public  entertainment  was  given  him,  at  which  all 
the  officers  appeared  in  their  "continentals,"  both  uniforms 
and  accoutrements,  which  served  to  produce  a  more  fraternal 
feeling  among  the  co-patriots  and  fellow-officers  of  the  late  ar- 
duous struggle,  now  so  successfully  and  gloriously  terminated. 
From  New  York  he  proceeded  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  was 
met  by  the  officers  of  the  army  and  a  vast  concourse  of  citizens, 
and  escorted  to  the  house  of  the  governor.     In  the  evening  an 


500  MAKQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

universal  illumination  took  place;  there  was  not  a  single  house 
in  the  city  but  what  was  illuminated.  On  his  present  visit,  also, 
this  city  honored  La  Fayette  with  an  illumination,  more  univer- 
sal and  splendid  than  any  thing  of  the  kind  which  had  been  wit- 
nessed any  where  else.  The  next  day  he  was  waited  on  by 
Generals  St.  Clair,  Wayne,  and  Irwine,  as  a  committee  in  be- 
half of  the  citizens;  and  the  legislature  being  in  session,  ap- 
pointed a  deputation,  consisting  of  one  member  from  a  county, 
who  addressed  him  in  their  own  name  and  that  of  their  consti- 
tuents; they  also  incorporated  a  county  in  the  western  section  of 
the  s<ate,  by  the  name  of  La  Fayette. 

From  Philadelphia  he  repaired  to  Baltimore,  and  from  thence 
hastily  to  Mount  Vernon,  to  see  and  embrace  his  beloved  Wash- 
ington, now  no  longer  the  head  of  the  American  armies,  and 
the  master-spirit  of  the  revolution,  but  a  private  citizen,  living 
in  retirement  on  his  plantation.  It  would  be  in  vain  to  attempt 
to  describe  the  interview  between  these  two  illustrious  indivi- 
duals. Born  in  different  hemispheres,  and  apparently  to  differ- 
ent fortunes  and  different  ends,  they  had  nevertheless  become 
united  by  the  strongest  ties  of  affection,  principle  and  sympathy,, 
and  by  their  common  toils  and  suffering*  in  the  same  cause,  and 
that  cause  so  sacred  in  itself,  so  dear  to  the  hearts  of  both,  and 
so  gloriously  successful,  guaranteeing  the  blessings  of  peace  and 
liberty  to  a  nation,  and  establishing  the  fame  of  all  who  had 
acted  a  distinguished  part  in  it, — an  interview  between  two  such 
individuals,  under  such  circumstances,  after  an  absence  of  nearly 
two  years,  which  had  served  to  give  maturity  to  the  fruits  of 
their  exertions,  and  increase  their  mutual  affection — as  it  is 
•without  example,  so  it  scarcely  belongs  to  this  earth ;  it  is  rather 
like  an  interview  between  superior  beings,  rejoicing  at  the  hap* 
piness  they  had  conferred  upon  mortals. 

La  Fayette  remained  at  Mount  "Vernon  twelve  days,  when 
he  returned  to  Baltimore,  and,  after  a  short  stay,  he  went  on  to 
New  York,  and  proceeded  eastward  to  Boston,  passing  through 
the  principal  towns  in  the  route,  and  was  every  where  received 
with  the  most  hearty  welcome  and  the  most  lively  demonstra 
tions  of  grateful  hearts.     On  approaching  Boston,  he  was  met 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  501 

at  Watertown  by  the  whole  body  of  the  late  army,  addressed  in 
their  behalf  by  his  personal  friend,  General  Knox.  The  legis; 
lature  being  in  session,  a  resolve  was  immediately  adopted,  in- 
viting him  to  meet  the  members  of  the  two  houses  in  the  senate- 
room,  where  he  was  addressed  by  the  governor  in  terms  of  res* 
pect  and  affection.  He  went  east  as  far  as  Maine,  and  having 
visited  the  considerable  towns,  he  returned  to  Boston,  where  he 
embarked  for  the  Chesapeake.  He  made  a  second  visit  to 
Mount  Vernon,  and  pass  through  the  principal  towns  on  the 
way.  On  his  return,  Washington  came  with  him  to  Annapolis, 
where  took  an  affectionate,  and  (hen  thought,  as  it  proved  to  be, 
a  final  farewell  of  Washington  and  numerous  friends,  and  re- 
ceived the  last  benedictions  of  his  illustrious  friend  and  adopted 
parent. 

Before  leaving  the  United  States,  he  deemed  it  proper  to  take 
respectful  leave  of  Congress,  then  in  session  at  Trenton,  where 
he  arrived  on  the  8th  of  December.  La  Fayette  having  ad- 
dressed a  note  to  Congress,  signifying  his  intention,  a  committee 
was  appointed,  consisting  of  one  from  a  state,  to  give  greater 
dignity  to  the  proceeding,  to  receive  and  take  leave  of  the  Mar- 
quis in  the  name  of  Congress,  and  the  nation,  and  to  assure  him 
that  congress  continued  to  entertain  the  same  high  sense  of  his 
Zealand  services  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  United  States, 
both  here  and  in  Europe,  which  they  had  frequently  manifested 
on  former  occasions.  The  committee  received  the  guest  of  the 
nation  in  congress  hall,  and  communicated  to  him  the  resolve  of 
of  that  body,  to  which  the  Marquis  made  the  following  dignified 
and  affectionate  reply: — 

"  While  it  pleases  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  so  kindly 
to  receive  me,  1  want  words  to  express  the  feelings  of  a  hearty 
which  delights  in  their  present  situation,  and  in  the  public  marks 
of  their  esteem. 

"  Since  I  joined  the  standard  of  liberty,  to  this  wished-for 
hour  of  my  personal  congratulations,  I  have  seen  such  glorious 
deeds  performed  and  virtues  displayed,  by  the  sons  of  America 
that  in  the  instant  of  my  first  concern  for  them,  I  had  anticipated 
but  a  part  of  the  love  and  regard  which  devote  me  to  this  rising 
empire. 


i02  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

"During  our  revolution,  I  obtained  an  unlimited,  indulgent 
confidence,  which  I  am  equally  proud  and  happy  to  acknowl- 
edge: it  dates  with  the  time,  when  an  inexperienced  youth,  I 
could  only  claim  my  respccied  friend's  paternal  adoption.  It 
has  been  most  benevolently  continued  throughout  every  circum- 
stance of  the  cabinet  and  the  field;  and  in  personal  friendship 
I  have  often  found  a  support  against  public  difficulties.  While 
on  this  solemn  occasion,  I  mention  my  obligations  to  Congress, 
the  stales,  and  the  people  at  large,  permit  me  to  remember  my 
dear  military  companions,  to  whose  services  their  country  is  so 
much  indebted. 

"  Having  felt  both  for  the  timely  aid  of  my  country,  and  for 
the  part  she,  with  a  beloved  king,  acted  in  the  cause  of  mankind, 
I  enjoy  an  alliance  so  well  rivetted  by  mutual  affection,  by  inte- 
rest and  even  local  situation.  Recollection  ensures  it.  Futurity 
does  but  enlarge  the  prospect;  and  the  private  intercourse  wiil 
every  day  increase,  which  independent  and  advantageous  trade 
cherishes  in  proportion  as  it  is  justly  understood. 

"  In  unbounded  wishes  to  America,  I  am  happy  to  observe  the 
prevailing  disposition  of  the  people  to  strengthen  the  confede- 
ration, preserve  public  faith,  regulate  trade;  and  in  a  proper 
guard  over  continental  magazines  and  frontier  posts,  in  a  gene- 
ral system  of  militia,  in  foreseeing  attention  to  the  navy,  to  ensure 
every  kind  of  safety.  May  this  immense  temple  of  freedom 
ever  stand  a  lesson  to  oppressors,  an  example  to  the  oppressed,  a 
sanctuary  for  the  rights  of  mankind!  And  may  these  happy 
United  States  attain  that  complete  splendour  and  prosperity, 
which  will  illustrate  the  blessings  of  their  government,  and  for 
ages  to  come,  rejoice  the  departed  souls  of  its  founders. 

"  However  unwilling  to  trespass  on  your  time,  I  must  yet  pre- 
sent you  with  my  grateful  thanks  for  the  late  favours  of  Congress; 
and  never  can  they  oblige  me  so  much,  as  when  they  put  it  in 
my  power,  in  every  part  of  the  world,  and  to  the  latest  day  of 
my  life,  to  gratify  the  attachment  which  will  ever  rank  me  among 
the  most  zealous  and  respectful  servants  of  the  United  States." 

Congress  at  the  same  time  also  resolved,  that  the  president  of 
their  body,  address  a  letter  to  the  King  of  France,  expressive  of 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  503 

the  high  sense  which  the  United  States  entertain  of  the  talents 
and  meritorious  services  of  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette,  and 
recommending  him  to  the  particular  favor  and  patronage  of  his 
Majesty. 

La  Fayette  went  from  Trenton  to  New  York,  where  in  a  few- 
days  lie  embarked  for  France,  in  a  frigate  that  was  waiting  for 
him.  On  his  departure  he  was  honoured  by  the  waving  stan- 
dards of  the  United  States  from  the  forts,  and  by  the  discharge, 
of  thirteen  cannon,  announcing  the  number  of  states  which 
regretted  his  departure,  and  whose  best  wishes  he  carried  with 
him.  During  this  visit  many  of  the  states  passed  acts  conferring 
the  right  of  citizenship  on  La  Fayette,  and  his  male  descendants 
for  ever. 

At  the  time,  this  separation  between  La  Fayette  and  America, 
must  have  been  believed,  both  by  himself  and  his  friends  here, 
to  be  the  last;  and  however  lively  an  interest  he  might  be  sup- 
posed to  continue  to  feel  for  her  welfare,  it  could  hardly  have 
been  expected  that  he  would  again  revisit  a  country  which  had 
been  the  theatre  of  his  early  achievements,  of  his  brightest  glory ; 
which  was  still  the  dearest  object  of  his  attachments  and  hopes, 
and  which  contained  so  many  of  his  dearest  and  most  venerated 
friends.  In  leaving  the  shores  of  the  United  States,  under  such 
circumstances,  his  feelings  must  have  been  deeply  affected ;  and 
likewise  those  of  the  numerous  friends  he  left  behind.  To  most 
of  the  latter,  the  parting  was  forever  on  earth;  but  the -life  of 
this  illustrious  man,  has  been  spared,  through  all  the  vicissitudes 
which  he  has  since  passed,  that  whilst  he  was  on  the  confines  of 
the  earth  and  about  to  leave  it,  for  another  and  better  world, 
after  the  lapse  of  nearly  half  a  century,  he  should  be  permitted, 
like  a  departed  spirit  returning  to  the  earth,  to  revisit  this 
favoured  land  of  promise,  and  witness  the  countless  blessings 
enjoyed  by  a  numerous  and  grateful  people,  flowing  from 
independence,  peace,  free  institutions,  and  well-regulated  social 
order,  the  holy  and  imperishable  fruits  of  the  blood  and  toils  of 
the  heroes  and  patriots  of  a  glorious  revolution,  of  whom  he  is 
one  of  the  chief,  and  almost  the  only  survivor.  *  This  is  a  felicity 
which  no  mortal  has  ever  before  enjoyed ;  it  was  reserved  for 
La  Fayette,  the  first  of  patriots  and  philanthropists. 


(  504  ) 


CHAPTER   VI. 

vitcrhis  arrival  in  France,  he  engages  in  various  philanthropic  object?.  Virginia 
places  his  bust  in  the  capitol  of  that  state,  and  one  at  Pari? — He  again  vi-its 
Germany — Is  a  member  of  the  Assembly  of  Notables — proposes  various  re- 
forms— Is  elected  a  member  of  the  States-General— proposes  a  bill  of  ritrhts— 
procurcs  a  decree  for  the  accountability  of  ministers — Fall  of  the  Bastile-  - 
Is  appointed  to  command  the  National  Guards — Exerts  himself  to  complete 
the  constitution — Saves  the  Royal  family  at  Versailles. —  He  commands  the 
National  Guards  at  the  ceremony  of  Champ  de  Mars — Swears  to  the  consti- 
tution in  the  name  of  the  nation — Coalition  against  P'rance — He  is  appoint- 
ed to  command  one  of  the  armies — Military  operations — Isdenounced  by  the 
Jacobin  faction — He  addresses  a  letter  to  the  Assembly — appears  before 
their  bar. 

General  La  Fayette,  is  one  of  the  few  individuals,  who 
during  a  long  and  eventful  life,  abounding  in  vicissitudes  and 
trials,  has  maintained  the  most  scrupulous  consistency  of  conduct 
and  integrity  of  principle.  The  happiness  of  his  fellow  crea- 
tures seems  to  have  been  the  leading  object  of  all  his  actions, 
and  we  always  find  him  engaged  in  acts  of  private  beneficence 
or  public  utility:  he  has  always  been  on  the  side  of  truth,  justice, 
and  liberty.  Soon  after  his  return  to  France  he  is  found  taking 
a  strong  interest  in  the  affairs  of  the  Batavian  patriots,  and  uni- 
ting his  influence  and  exertions  with  those  of  the  celebrated 
philosopher  Maleschcrbes,  in  the  cause  of  the  French  protes- 
tants;  while  at  the  same  time,  he  joined  a  society  whose  object 
was,  the  gradual  emancipation  of  the  blacks  held  in  slavery, 
particularly  in  the  French  colonics.  In  this  last  philanthropic 
and  benevolent  scheme,  he  spent  much  time  and  money,  and  it 
is  believed  that  his  exertions  and  those  of  his  associates  would 
have  done  much  towards  meliorating  the  condition  of  the  unfor- 
tunate Africans,  had  they  not  been  arrested  by  the  rapid  devel- 
opement  of  the  first  scenes  in  the  great  drama  of  the  French 
revolution. 

In  the  year  '86,  Virginia,  in  consideration  of  his  services 
rendered  to  that  state,  by  an  act  of  the  assembly,  directed  the 
bust  of  La  Fayette  to  be  placed  in  the  capitol  of  the  state;  and 
at  the  same  time  authorised  Mr.  Jefferson,  then  the  American 
minister  at  Paris,  to  cause  the  like  statute  to  be  placed  in  the, 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  505 

metropolis  of  France,  with  the  consent  of  the  municipal  authority 
of  the  city.  In  his  letter  to  the  municipality  of  Paris,  Mr.  Jef- 
ferson, says,—"  The  Legislature  of  the  state  of  Virginia,  in 
consideration  of  the  services  of  Major  Gen.  the  Marquis  de 
La  Fayette,  has  resolved  to  place  his  bust  in  their  capitol.  This 
intention  of  erecting  a  monument  to  his  virtues,  and  to  the  senti- 
ments with  which  he  has  inspired  them,  in  the  country  to  which 
they  are  indebted  for  his  birth,  has  induced  a  hope  that  the  city 
of  Paris  would  consent  to  become  the  depository  of  a  second 
proof  of  their  gratitude.  Charged  by  the  state  with  the  exe- 
cution of  this  resolution,  I  have  the  honor  to  solicit  the  Prevots 
des  Marchands  and  municipality  of  Paris  to  accept  the  bust  of 
this  brave  officer,  and  give  it  a  situation  where  it  may  continually 
awaken  the  admiration,  and  witness  the  respect  of  the  allies  of 
France." 

The  proposition,  meeting  with  the  decided  approbation  of  the 
local  authorities,  and  of  the  king  to  whom  it  was  submitted,  the 
bust  of  La  Fayette,  executed  by  the  order  of  Mr.  Jefferson, 
by  Mr.  Houden,  wasp  aced  in  one  of  the  galleries  of  the  city 
hall,  with  great  ceremony,  an  eloquent  address  having  been  de- 
livered on  the  occasiori,  by  the  attorney-general,  in  which  he 
sketched  in  the  most  impressive  manner,  the  important  services 
of  La  Fayette  in  North  America,  the  confidence  the  nation 
reposed  in  him,  and  the  unbounded  affection  of  the  people 
for  him. 

In  the  year  '86,  La  Fayette  made  a  tour  through  various 
parts  of  Germany,  and  visited  the  courts  of  Vienna  and  Berlin. 
But  whilst  extending  his  knowledge  by  acquainting  himself  with 
Xbe  affairs  of  other  nations,  the  deep  interest  he  felt  in  the  wel- 
fare of  America,  was  not  in  any  degree  impaired  or  diminished, 
and  during  his  travels,  he  was  distressed  and  alarmed  at  the 
intelligence  he  received  of  the  disorders  which  prevailed  in  the 
United  States,  the  discords  and  disaffection  of  the  people,  the 
low  state  of  public  credit,  the  disregard  of  the  authority  of 
congress,  and  the  crude  political  notions  and  general  spirit  of 
insubordination  which  every  where  prevailed ;  and  which  in  one 
state  had  led  to  actual  insurrection.     Deeply  impressed  with 

64 


5P6  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

these  alarming  circumstances  relating  to  his  beloved  America, 
he  addressed  to  Washington  a  letter,  filled  with  noble  and  patri- 
otic sentiments,  and  which  shows  the  anxiety  that  he  still 
continued  to  feel  in  common  with  all  real  patriots  here,  for  the 
welfare  and  prosperity  of  the  United  States  then  placed  in  the 
most  critical  condition. 

"  About  this  time,"  says  Marshall,  "  Gen.  Washington  recei- 
ved along  and  affectionate  letter  from  the  Marquis  deLa  Fayette, 
who  had  just  returned  from  a  tour  through  the  north  of  Europe. 
In  communicating  the  occurrences  at  the  courts  he  had  visited, 
and  especially  at  that  of  Prussia,  whose  aged  and  distinguished 
monarch,  uniting  the  acquirements  of  the  scholar  with  the  most 
profound  skill  in  the  art  of  war,  could  bestow  either  literary  or 
military  fame,  he  dwelt  with  enthusiasm  on  the  plaudits  which 
were  universally  bestowed  on  his  military  patron  and  paternal 
friend.  "  I  wish"  he  added,  "  the  other  sentiments  I  have  had 
occasion  to  discover  with  respect  to  America,  were  equally  sat- 
isfactory with  those  that  are  personal  to  yourself.  I  need  not 
say  that  the  spirit,  the  firmnesss,  with  which  the  revolution  was 
conducted,  has  excited  universal  admiration.  That  every  friend 
to  the  rights  of  mankind  is  an  enthusiast  for  the  principles  on 
which  those  constitutions  are  built:  but  I  have  often liad  the 
mortification  to  hear  that  the  want  of  powers  in  congress,  of 
union  between  the  states,  of  energy  in  their  government,  would 
make  the  confederation  very  insignificant.  By  their  conduct  in 
the  revolution,"  he  added  "  the  citizens  of  America  have  com- 
manded the  respect  of  the  world ;  but  it  grieves  me  to  think 
they  will  in  a  measure  lose  it,  unless  they  strengthen  the  confed- 
eration, give  congress  power  to  regulate  their  trade,  pay  offtheir 
debt,  or  at  least  the  interest  of  it,  establish  a  well  regulated 
militia,  and  in  a  word,  complete  all  those  measures  which  you 
have  recommended  to  them. 

"  Unhappily  for  us,"  said  the  general  in  reply,  "  though  the 
reports  you  mention  are  greatly  exaggerated,  our  conduct  has 
laid  the  foundation  for  them.  It  is  one  of  the  evils  of  demo- 
cratic governments,  that  the  people  not  always  seeing,  and  fre- 
quently misled,  must  often  feel  before  they  act  right.     But  evils- 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  50^ 

of  this  nature  seldom  fail  to  work  their  own  cure.  It  is  to  be 
lamented  nevertheless,  that  the  remedies  are  so  slow,  and  that 
those  who  wish  to  apply  them  seasonably,  are  not  attended  to 
before  they  suffer  in  person,  in  interest,  and  reputation.  I  am 
not  without  hopes  that  matters  will  soon  take  a  favourable  turn 
in  the  federal  constitution.  The  discerning  part  of  the  commu- 
nity have  long  since  seen  the  necessity  of  giving  adequate 
powers  to  Congress  for  national  purposes,  and  those  of  a  different 
description  must  yield  to  it  ere  long." 

Hitherto  the  career  of  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette  had  been 
uniformly  successful  and  glorious;  his  advance  in  the  path  of 
honor  and  military  fame,  and  in  aiding  the  cause  of  liberty,  had 
been  smooth,  dignified,  and  without  interruption ;  his  popularity, 
like  a  placid  but  magnificent  stream,  increased  in  volume  and 
force  as  it  flowed  smoothly  along,  occasionally  ruffled  by  the 
winds,  but  never  torn  by  cataracts  or  agitated  by  the  rage  of  the 
elements.  But  the  time  had  now  arrived  that  he  was  no  longer 
to  enjoy  a  clear  horizon  and  serene  sky,  without  interruption; 
the  smooth  current  of  his  popularity  is  exposed  to  be  agitated 
and  broken  by  the  rage  of  the  most  tremendous  storms,  and  all 
the  maddening  fury  of  the  elements. 

To  have  been  the  successful  hero  and  patriot  of  two  revolutions, 
would  have  been  a  more  glorious  destiny  than  belonged  to  any 
mortal;  there  is  no  such  example  in  the  history  of  mankind;  it 
was  not  therefore  reserved  for  La  Fayette.  He  had  acquired 
sufficient  glory,  and  rendered  sufficient  service  to  his  fellow  mor- 
tals by  the  part  he  had  acted  in  the  American  Revolution;  this 
will  render  his  name  as  immortal  as  that  of  the  country  whose 
independence  and  liberty  he  contributed  to  establish,  and  as 
venerated  as  those  of  the  illustrious  individuals  with  which  it  is 
associated. 

He  was  designed  to  act  a  part  equally,  and  indeed  much  more 
conspicuous  in  the  political  revolution  in  France,  than  he  had  in 
America ;  but  with  much  less  success  or  glory ;  not,  however,  from 
any  fault  of  his.  He  contributed  as  much,  perhaps  more  than 
any  other  individual,  to  give  an  impetus  to  the  ball  of  the  rcvov 
Htion%but  having  got  in  motion,  it  was  no  longer  in  his  power  to 


508  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

stop  it,  or  even  to  regulate  its  course.  If  we  look  back  to  the 
influence  he  had  on  the  part  taken  by  France  in  the  American 
struggle,  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  he  is  entitled  to  the  honor  of 
having  contributed  directly  and  indirectly,  much  more  towards 
producing  the  first  movement  in  favor  of  a  political  reform  in 
France,  than  any  other  individual.  The  struggle  between  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain,  and  the  part  taken  in  it  by 
France,  is  undoubtedly  the  principal  cause  of  the  dreadful  revo- 
lution which  soon  followed  in  that  kingdom.  It  added  greatly  to 
the  public  debt,and  completely  deranged  the  already  embarrassed 
finances  of  the  nation.  The  American  contest  was  professedly 
a  war  for  liberty;  it  led  to  an  examination  and  discussion,  both  in 
the  United  States  and  in  England,  of  the  first  principles  of  go- 
vernment, of  the  rights  of  man,  and  of  the  origin  and  nature  of 
monarchy;  and  these  discussions  were  generally  republished  in 
France,  and  from  a  national  bias,  the  people  approved  of  the 
American  side  of  the  argument.  The  French  officers  and  sol- 
diers who  had  been  engaged  in  the  American  war,  in  some  mea- 
sure had  the  spirit  of  the  revolution  infused  into  their  minds. 
Being  engaged  in  the  same  cause  with  the  Americans,  they 
imbibed  the  same  feelings,  and  in  no  small  degree  adopted  the 
same  principles.  It  was  natural,  therefore,  for  those  who  had 
fought  for  liberty  abroad,  to  look  into  the  political  state  of  their 
own  nation;  and  it  was  a  painful  reflection  to  all  who  had  con- 
tributed to  establish  the  independence  and  freedom  of  America, 
to  perceive  the  oppressed  and  degraded  condition  of  their  own 
country. 

In  the  commencement  and  early  part  of  the  revolution,  the 
American  hero  and  patriot,  acted  a  most  distinguished  and  influ- 
ential part.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Assembly  of  Notables, 
which  convened  in  I "87,  and  was  nominated  one  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  committee  under  the  Count  D'Artois,  the  present 
king  of  France.  Here  he  was  a  zealous  and  intrepid  advocate 
for  the  correction  of  existing  abuses  in  the  government  and  a 
political  reformation.  He  read  several  memorials,  distinguished 
for  their  noble  political  sentiments,  and  freedom  and  boldness  of 
language.     His  zeal  and  independence  gave  great  offence  to  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  609 

Count  D'Artois,  and  called  down  upon  him  the  suspicions  and 
hostility  of  the  court,  which  placed  him  in  a  very  delicate  and 
critical  situation;  but  he  was  supported  by  the  committee,  who 
approved  of  his  memorials.  One  of  the  members  in  the  warmth 
of  his  feelings  said  to  him — "  Your  achievements  in  America  had 
already  enrolled  your  name  in  the  list  of  heroes,  but  never  before 
have  you  so  justly  deserved  that  glorious  distinction.  How  happy 
I  should  be  wa6  there  a  sculptor  present  to  perpetuate  your  zeal 
for  the  welfare  of  your  country  and  your  king."  Being  encour- 
aged from  the  support  he  received,  La  Fayette  followed  up  his 
patriotic  plans,  and  proposed  a  series  of  reforms,  the  suppression 
of  the  state  prisons,  and  lettres  de  cachet,  and  obtained  a  resolution 
favoring  the  civil  right  of  the  protestants.  But  the  most  important 
measure  which  he  proposed^was  the  convocation  of  the  States- 
General,  which  had  so  important  an  influence  on  the  destinies  of 
France  and  Europe.  "  What,1'  said  the  Count  D'Artois,  "do  you 
ask  for  the  States-General?"  "Yes,"  replied  La  Fayette, "and  for 
something  more  and  better;"  an  intimation  not  then  understood. 

La  Fayette  was  chosen  a  deputy  to  this  celebrated  body, 
which  convened  in  the  month  of  May,  1789,  and  assumed  the 
name  of  the  National  Assembly.  He  at  once  became  a  leading 
and  influential  member,  and  as  vice-president,  presided  during 
the  important  sitting  on  the  night  of  the  13th  and  14th  of  July, 
the  moment  the  Bastile  was  falling  before  the  furious  assaults  of 
the  populace. 

On  the  11th  of  July,  he  submitted  to  the  National  Assembly, 
the  first  declaration  of  the  rights  of  man,  which  he  introduced 
with  the  following  memorable  language : 

"Although  my  powers  do  not  extend  tome  the  right  of  voting 
among  you,  it  is  my  duty  to  lay  my  opinion  before  you. 

"You  have  been  presented  with  the  declaration  of  rights,  as 
the  first  object  of  your  labor  and  attention. 

"That  declaration  is  indispensable.  It  is  not  founded  upon 
metaphysical  opinions,  but  upon  the  very  basis  of  social  order. 

"It  is  of  the  first  importance  that  those  rights  which  are  en- 
graven on  every  man's  heart,  should  be  distinctly  and  unequivo- 
cally recognised. 


,U0  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

"Yet  it  is  my  opinion  that  this  declaration  should  be  con- 
fined to  a  statement  of  the  unalienable  rights  of  man,  and  of 
man  as  we  find  him  in  a  state  of  society. 

"I  have  now  the  honor  to  submit  the  first  model  of  such  a  de- 
claration. 

"  I  am  far  from  insisting  that  it  shall  be  adopted  as  it  is ;  I  only 
ask  that  it  be  copied,  to  be  circulated  freely  among  the  different 
committees." 

M.  de  Lally  Tolendal  arose,  and  said — "With  the  exception 
of  a  few  lines,  which  admit,  perhaps,  of  some  little  discussion, 
I  second  the  motion  which  has  just  been  offai-ed.  All  the  prin- 
ciples contained  therein  are  the  sacred  emanations  of  truth;  all 
the  sentiments  are  noble  and  sublime.  The  author  of  the  mo- 
tion now  displays  as  much  eloquence  in  speaking  of  liberty,  a? 
he  has  already  shown  courage  in  defending  it." 

It  was  under  his  influence  that  a  decree  was  adopted  provi- 
ding for  the  responsibility  of  the  ministers,  which  was  predica- 
ted  on  one  of  the  elementary  principles  of  limited  and  represen- 
tative monarchy.  He  took  an  active  and  influential  part  in  the 
important  discussions  of  this  period,  the  bill  of  rights  and  the 
constitution,  which  having  been  matured,  was  adopted  and 
sworn  to,  with  the  most  solemn  ceremony,  by  the  members  of 
the  assembly  in  the  Champ  de  Mars,  on  the  14th  of  Julv,  1790, 
the  anniversary  of  the  fall  of  the  Bastile. 

After  the  fall  of  this  strong  castle  of  despotism,  before  the 
rude  assault  of  an  immense  armed  multitude,  of  all  ages  and 
conditions,  great  disorders  prevailed;  the  people  had  become 
enraged  and  their  passions  inflamed,  and  being  encouraged  by 
success,  it  was  difficult  to  restrain  them  or  check  their  excesses. 
At  this  critical  conjuncture,  two  days  after  the  capture  of  the 
Bastile,  La  Fayette  was  appointed  to  command  the  National 
Guards  of  Paris,  by  M.  Bailly,  who  had  been  elected  mayor  of 
that  city.  To  increase  the  disorders,  great  scarcity  prevailed 
in  the  large  cities,  which  threatened  a  famine,  and  immense 
multitudes  of  both  sexes  were  patroling  the  streets  with  the 
cries  of  bread !  bread !  La  Fayette  did  all  in  his  power  to  pre- 
serve tranquility,  and  protect  the  persons  and  property  of  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  &U 

Citizens.  The  assembly  also  exerted  themselves  to  calm  the 
public  mind,  and  to  maintain  the  public  peace ;  they  also  stea- 
dily advanced  forward  in  the  great  objects  of  the  revolution, 
and  endeavored  to  act  out  the  principles  they  had  already  re- 
cognized. They  passed  a  decree  for  the  security  of  persons  and 
property,  and  enjoining  the  payment  of  taxes  as  usual;  they 
also  abolished  the  most  odious  features  of  the  feudal  system, 
which  was  followed  by  the  suppression  of  tithes,  and  they  de- 
clared that  henceforth  all  distinctions,  political  and  personal, 
should  cease,  and  that  France  should  be  one  nation,  one  family, 
governed  by  the  same  laws,  and  that  all  other  titles  should  be 
merged  in  that  of  French  Citizen.  The  constitution  of  '90, 
divided  France  into  eighty-three  departments,  abolished  the 
ieudal  system,  and  lettres  de  cacket,  fixed  the  qualifications  of 
electors,  provided  that  the  representatives  were  to  form  but  one 
chamber,  and  rendered  the  sale  of  offices  criminal,  annihilated 
all  orders  and  distinctions,  granted  to  the  king  his  veto  on  all 
acts  of  the  assembly,  and  established  triennal  legislatures. 

In  all  these  important  measures,  calculated  to  give  to  man  his 
dignity,  his  rights,  his  liberty,  and  to  render  a  nation  free,  pow- 
erful, prosperous  and  happy,  La  Fayette  took  an  active  and 
decided  part.  If  these  measures  did  not  produce  the  happy 
results  intended,  let  it  not  be  considered  as  an  impeachment  of 
the  great  principles  on  which  they  were  founded,  or  of  the  pa- 
triotic motives  of  their  authors.  The  leaders  in  the  first  or 
constituent  assembly,  La  Fayette,  Mirabeau,  Bissot,  &c.  were 
distinguished  men,  and  their  patriotic  conduct,  although  not 
successful  to  the  extent  they  had  reason  to  expect,  is,  neverthe- 
less, the  source  of  most  of  the  political  advantages  which 
France  now  enjoys.  And  there  is  reason  to  believe,  that  nei- 
ther the  imperial  despotism  of  Napoleon,  or  the  re-establish' 
ment  of  the  throne  and  dynasty  of  the  Bourbons,  nor  all  the  vio- 
lence and  disorders  of  the  revolution,  can  extinguish  the  light 
which  these  illustrious  men  contributed  to  disseminate.  The 
seeds  of  liberty,  sown  in  the  early  stages  of  the  revolution,  al- 
though at  first  producing  a  growth  too  rank  and  luxuriant 
to  ripen  to  maturity,  and  afterward  for  a  long  period,  choked  by 


512  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

thorns,  nevertheless  can  hardly  fail,  in  due  time,  of  producing 
their  proper  fruits.  But  however  this  may  be,  it  would  be  in 
vain  for  the  minions  of  royalty  to  impeach  the  motives  and  in- 
tegrity of  those  distinguished  patriots,  or  to  sully  the  lustre  of 
their  well-earned  fame.  The  fidelity  of  history  will  do  them 
justice,  and  enrol  their  names  among  the  first  patriots  and  ben- 
efactors of  their  country. 

The  situation  of  La  Fayette  as  commander  of  the  National 
Guards,  was  one  of  peculiar  difficulty  and  delicacy,  as  it  brought 
him  into  constant  contact  with  the  court  and  the  throne.  On  the 
5th  of  October,  1 790,  a  vast  multitude,  principally  women,  ap- 
peared in  the  streets  of  Paris,  crying  out  bread !  bread !  Being 
joined  by  a  company  of  the  volunteers  of  the  Bastile,  they  set 
out  for  Versailles,  the  residence  of  the  royal  family.  From  the 
contagion  of  example,  the  National  Guards  insisted  on  proceed- 
ing hither  likewise ;  and  La  Fayette  believing  it  difficult  to  re- 
strain them,  and  also  that  the  guards  under  his  direction  might 
prevent  the  excesses  of  the  multitude,  thought  it  advisable  to  let 
them  proceed ;  and  having  obtained  the  sanction  of  the  munici- 
pal authority,  he  led  the  guards  to  Versailles,  where  he  arrived 
about  ten  o'clock  at  night.  He  had  been  on  horseback  from 
before  day  light  in  the  morning,  and  made  incredible  exertions 
to  calm  the  guards  and  repress  violence.  "The  Marquis  de  La 
Fayette,"  says  Madame  de  Stael,  "entered  the  Chateau,  and 
passing  through  the  apartment  where  we  were,  went  to  the 
king.  We  all  pressed  around  him  as  if  he  was  master  of  events, 
and  yet  the  popular  party  was  already  more  powerful  than  its 
chief,  and  principles  were  yielding  to  factions,  or  rather,  were 
beginning  to  serve  only  as  their  pretext.  M.  de  La  Fayette's 
manner. was  perfectly  calm;  nobody  ever  saw  it  otherwise;  but 
his  delicacy  suffered  from  the  part  he  was  to  act.  He  asked 
for  the  interior  posts  of  the  Chateau  in  order  that  he  might  en- 
sure their  safety,  bat  only  the  outer  posts  were  granted  to  him." 
This  refusal  was  not  from  want  of  confidence  in  La  Fayette, 
because  of  the  etiquette  of  the  court,  the  immediate  defence  of 
the  royal  family  could  be  intrusted  to  none  but  the  guards  of 
the  royal  household.     La  Fayette  therefore  held  himself  re- 


Marquis  de  la  fayette.  513 

sponsible  for  the  post  commit  ted  to  him  and  the  National  Guards. 
The  king  and  queen  retired  to  rest  between  two  and  three  o'clock ; 
and  about  four,  a  portion  of  the  populace  found  their  way  into 
the  interior  of  the  palace  through  an  obscure  passage,  which 
had  been  overlooked,  and  which  was  not  in  that  part  of  the 
Chateau  entrusted  to  La  Fayette.  They  were  evidently  led  by- 
persons  acquainted  with  the  secret  avenues^  and  soon  made  their 
way  to  the  queen's  chamber;  two  of  her  guards  were  instantly 
cut  down,  and  she  narrowly  escaped,  almost  naked.  La  Fay- 
ette rushed  in  at  this  instant^  at  the  head  of  the  National  Guards 
and  rescued  the  Swiss  Guards  from  popular  violence,  and  saved 
the  royal  family,  which  came  near  being  sacrificed  to  the  eti- 
quette of  the  court. 

At  dawn  of  day^  an  immense  multitude  surrounded  the  pal- 
ace, and  filled  the  vast  space  called,  from  the  rich  materials  of 
which  it  is  constructed,  the  court  of  marble.  In  loud  and  an- 
gry vociferations  they  called  on  the  king  to  accompany  them  to 
Paris,  and  on  the  queen  to  present  herself  at  th,e  balcony.  The 
king,  after  a  consultation  with  his  ministers,  concluded  to  set 
out  for  the  capital.  La  Fayette,  apprehending  that  it  would  be 
unsafe  for  the  queen  to  go,  knowing  the  violence  of  the  popu- 
lace towards  her,  went  and  asked  her  if  she  intended  to  accom- 
pany the  king  to  Paris.  "Yes,"  she  replied,  "although  I  am 
sensible  of  the  danger."  "Are  you  positively  determined?5' 
"Yes  sir."  "Condescend,  then,"  said  La  Fayette,  "to  go  out 
on  the  balcony,  and  suffer  me  to  attend  you."  "Without  the 
king?"  she  hesitatingly  replied — "have you  heard  the  threats?" 
"Yes,  Madame,  I  have,  but  dare  to  trust  me."  He  conducted 
her  to  the  balcony;  it  was  a  nfftment  of  the  most  awful  and  del- 
icate responsibility;  the  agitations,  cries,  and  shouts  of  the  vast 
multitude,  like  the  sound  of  mighty  waters,  prevented  his  voice 
from  being  heard;  but  not  on  this  or  any  other  occasion,  did  his 
presence  of  mind  fail  him;  he  simply,  with  that  ease  and  grace 
which  distinguished  the  old  court  of  France,  kissed  her  hand, 
in  view  of  the  multitude,  This  unexpected  event  was  viewed 
for  a  moment  with  silent  astonishment  by  the  populace,  but  soon, 
the  air  resounded  with  the  cries  of  "long  live  the  queen!  Ions; 


514  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE 

live  the  general,"  from  that  same  fickle  populate,  who,  a  .<  fc 
hours  hefore,  had  imbrued  their  hands  in  the  blood  of  the  guards 
who  defended  this  same  queen.  It  was  on  this  occasion  that 
the  guards  first  placed  the  tricolored  cockade  in  their  hats,  and 
supplicated  for  mercy  in  behalf  of  the  king.  The  popular 
rage  for  a  time  seemed  to  subside,  but  was  soon  revived  by  the  cry 
of"  to -Paris !  to  Paris !"  The  king  having  thought  it  prudent  to  com- 
ply with  the  demands  of  the  populace,  accompanied  by  a  dep- 
utation of  two  hundred  of  the  assembly  and  the  National  Guards, 
set  out  for  Paris.  He  was  preceded  by  an  executioner,  be- 
tween two  wretches,  each  with  a  bloody  head  suspended  upon 
a  pike,  and  followed  by  an  immense  multitude.  La  Fayette 
could  not  prevent  this  indignity  being  offered  the  king,  but  suc- 
ceeded in  preventing  much  violence  and  bloodshed. 

The  discontents  of  the  nobility  and  clergy  broke  out  into  a 
civil  war  in  La  Vendee,  and  faction  raged  in  the  capital.  On 
the  20th  June,  '91,  the  Royal  Family  fled  from  the  capital  with 
the  intention  of  leaving  the  kingdom  and  proceeding  to  Varennes, 
where  they  were  discovered  and  conducted  back  to  Paris.  Con-  . 
ducted  by  the  citizens  of  Varennes,  and  surrounded  by  an  im- 
mense body  of  the  National  Guards,  the  royal  family  passed 
along  the  streets  and  squares  amidst  half  a  million  of  spectators; 
no  murmurs  or  reproaches  were  heard,  nor  a  solitary  voice 
greeted  the  royal  ear  with  the  expression  of  joy;  not  a  hand 
was  uplifted,  nor  a  head  uncovered,  to  honor  the  sovereign,  but 
a  sullen  silence  prevailed. 

From  the  increasing  strength  of  the  Jacobin  faction,  the  situ- 
ation of  La  Fayette  became  every  day  more  difficult  and  crit- 
ical; he  was  placed  between  Scyllaand  Charibdis;  the  violent  lea- 
ders on  the  one  hand  tending  to  disorder  and  anarchy,  and  the 
king  and  old  aristocracy  on  the  other.  But  by  a  steady  adhe- 
rence to  principles  he  preserved  his  consistency  and  honor  in  the 
most  difficult  circumstances.  As  a  member  of  the  assembly  he 
supported  all  rational  plans  of  reform,  in  maturing  and  perfect- 
ing the  revolution,  and  opposed  all  violent  measures.  On  the 
20th  of  June,  1790,  he  seconded  a  motion  for  the  abolition  of 
all  titles  of  nobility.     From  this  time  he  renounced  his  own  title 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  5K» 

of  Marquis,  and  has  never  since  resumed  it  himself,  although 
sometimes  so  called  by  others.  He  used  all  his  influence  to 
complete  the  constitution,  which  it  was  decided  should  be  re- 
ceived and  adopted  in  the  assembly  and  the  nation,  in  the  most 
imposing  and  solemn  manner,  and  for  which  purpose,  the  14th 
of  July,  1 730,  the  anniversary  of  the  destruction  of  the  Bastile, 
was  selected  as  an  appropriate  occasion.  The  labor  of  from 
one  to  two  hundred  thousand  persons  of  all  conditions  and 
sexes,  dukes,  duchesses,  bishops,  deputies,  butchers,  porters,  &c. 
*in  a  few  weeks  raised  an  amphitheatre  of  earth  four  miles  in 
circumference,  in  the  area  behind  the  military  school,  called 
the  Champ  de  Mars,  from  the  Champus  Martius  of  the  Romans. 
Seats  rising  above  each  other  were  formed  round  the  sides  for  the 
people,  and  in  the  centre  was, erected  the  throne  and  the  altar. 
The  king,  officers  of  the  government,  the  deputies  of  the  na- 
tional assembly,  a  deputation  of  military  from  each  department, 
and  a  concourse  of  citizens  amounting  in  all  to  more  than  four 
hundred  thousand,  were  collected  in  the  grand  amphitheatre, 
which  gave  a  magnificence  and  sublimity  to  the  national  festival. 
Mass  having  been  said,  La  Fayette,  who  commanded  the  Na- 
tional Guards  and  the  military,  approached  the  altar,  and  in  the 
presence  of  this  vast  concourse  swore  to  the  constitution  in  be- 
half of  the  nation.  It  was  an  awful  situation ;  every  eye  of  this 
vast  assemblage  was  directed  towards  him,  and  every  hand 
raised  to  join  with  him  in  the  oath.  The  world  has  never  wit- 
nessed so  magnificent  and  solemn  a  ceremony,  or  perhaps  an 
individual  voluntarily  raised  to  so  exalted  and  conspicuous  a 
situation,.  He  had  the  command  of  six  millions  of  men,  directed 
this  august  national  ceremony,  and  was  the  organ  of  the  nation 
iiself..  After  La  Fayette,  the  members  of  the  assembly  swore 
bo  the  constitution. 

Qn  the  13th  Septemher,  Louis  informed  the  assembly  that  he 
had  given  his  sanction  to  the  constitution,  which  was  solemnly 
proclaimed  throughout  the  kingdom;  and  on  the  30th  of  the 
same  month  the  prcsidentproclaimed — "  That  having  concluded, 
the  object  for  which  they  had  convened,  the  national  assembly 
declares  its  powers  to  be  at  an  end. and  that  it  will  set  no  longer. v; 


616  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

Thus,  after  a  session  of  two  years,  terminated  the  labours  of  tlit 
first,  or  constituent  assembly;  a  body  of  men  as  distinguished 
for  talents  and  patriotism  as  any  other  ever  convened;  and  if  wc 
except  the  American  congress  of  '76,  perhaps  the  labours  and 
discussions  of  no  other,  were  ever  more  important.  Soon  after 
La  Fayette,  having  completed  the  organization  of  the  National 
Guards,  resigned,  and  retired  to  his  estate.  The  second 
national  assembly,  commenced  by  taking  the  oath  to  support  the 
constitution.  Alarmed  for  their  security,  the  nobility  and 
clergy  fled  from  the  kingdom;  and  the  princes  of  the  blood 
having  repaired  to  Coblentz,  that  place  became  a  general  ren- 
dezvous of  the  emigrants;  and  the  Prince  of  Conde  soon  began 
to  assemble  an  army  of  malcontents. 

When  t,he  political  society,  first  called  the  "  Friends  of  the 
People,"  and  afterward  the  "Jacobin  Club,"  having  fallen 
tinder  the  influence  of  Robespierre  and  Dapton,  had  become 
odious  and  a  most  dangerous  engine,  La  Fayette,  with  Talley- 
rand, the  Duke  de  Rochefaucault  and  Laincourt,  the  two 
Lameths  and  others,  attempted  to  counteract  its  pernicious 
influence,  by  the  establishment  of  another  society,  called  "  The 
Club  of  1789;"  but  they  were  afterward  commonly  called  the 
.Fuillans,  from  the  convent  where  they  assembled.  This  party 
were  the  constitutionalists,of  whom  La  Fayette  may  be  regarded 
as  the  head ;  they  continued  in  general  to  act  with  the  Girondists* 
•who  were  believed  to  be  favorable  to  a  republic,  and  were 
distinguished  for  talents,  patriotism  and  virtue.  These  two 
parties  united,  formed  a  decided  majority  in  the  assembly,  and 
for  a  long  time  kept  down  the  Jacobin  faction,  headed  by  Rob- 
espierre and  Danton. 

Whilst  the  nation  was  agitated  with  disorders  and  factions 
within,  a  storm  was  gathering  from  without,  which  threatened 
the  desolation  of  France.  The  treaty  of  Pilnitz,  consummated 
the  first  coalition  against  France:  the  professed  object  of  which, 
was  to  regulate  its  internal  affairs,  and  to  re-establtsh  the  mon- 
archy with  all  its  original  powers  and  prerogatives;  but  its 
real  object  probably  was,  had  it  been  successful,  to  have  subjected 
France  to  the  fate  of  Poland.     This  outrageous  enterprise  or. 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  51", 

the  part  of  the  allied  powers,  and  the  insulting  demands  of  the 
Emperor  of  Austria,  overcome  the  dread  of  war  at  first  felt  b\ 
the  people,  and  roused  the  spirit  of  the  nation.  This  spirit  was 
inflamed  to  the  highest  pitch  by  a  popular  and  eloquent  address 
to  the  nation,  published  by  the  assembly,  which  immediately 
followed  the  decree  of  war.  And  the  conduct  of  the  French 
emigrants,  who  assembled  on  the  borders  of  the  stale  in  a  hostile 
manner,  ready  to  invade  their  country,  excited  the  highest 
indignation  of  the  people. 

The  assembly  displayed  great  activity  in  preparing  to  prose- 
cute hostilities.  Three  large  armies  took  the  field;  one  com* 
manded  by  La  Fayette,  who  was  called  from  his  voluntary 
retirement  for  this  purpose,  one  by  Marshal  Rochambeau,  and 
the  other  by  Marshal  Luckner.  Their  first  operations  were 
not  successful:  the  three  generals  had  formed  one  plan  of  the 
campaign,  and  the  cabinet  had  formed  another,  and  the  dissen- 
sions between  them  soon  led  to  serious  embarrassments  and  diffi- 
culties. By  the  former  scheme,  La  Fayette,  was  to  have  been 
entrusted  with  the  execution  of  an  enterprise  against  the  Low 
Countries,  or  Austrian  Netherlands,  at  the  head  of  50,000  men, 
and  was  to  have  been  supported  by  a  second  army  under  Ro 
chambeau;  whilst  a  third  was  to  have  taken  possession  of 
Mentz. 

The  expedition  against  Tournay,  and  that  against  Mons,  both, 
failed;  from  which  cause  the  advantages  of  the  occupation  of 
Fumes  were  obliged  to  be  relinquished.  La  Fayette  with  the 
main  army  proceeded  to  Givet,  where  it  was  intended  to  make 
a  general  rendezvous  in  the  heart  of  the  Austrian  Netherlands. 
The  failure  of  the  two  first  expeditions,  disconcerted  his  plans 
and  embarrassed  his  operations;  he  was  able  however  to  keep 
his  ground.  His  army  occupied  the  tract  of  country  extending 
from  Givet  to  Bouvines.  In  the  month  of  June  the  French 
armies  had  made  considerable  progress  in  the  Netherlands;  but 
the  Austrians  and  Prussians  advancing  with  a  superior  force, 
they  were  obliged  to  retreat  to  Givet  and  Valenciennes.  In 
the  meantime  the  cabinet  was  distracted  by  contentions,  which 
led  to  the  resignation  of  Rochambeau,,  and  finally  to  a  change  of 


•  >l<s  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTBi 

the  ministry,  which  was  succeeded  by  an  administration  of  the 
Fuillant  party.  They  did  not  possess  the  confidence  of  Un- 
people or  the  majority  of  the  assembly,  and  their  power  was 
short.  The  dismission  of  the  old  and  the  appointment  of  the 
new  ministry,  increased  the  strength  and  boldness  of  the  Jacobii s 
or  violent  party,  both  in  the  assembly  and  nation.  This,  and 
other  measures  of  the  king,  together  with  the  coalition  of  sove- 
reigns against  France  for  the  avowed  object  of  restoring  Louis 
to  his  prerogatives  and  power,  had  occasioned  suspicions  that, 
lie  secretly  favored  the  designs  of  the  enemies  of  France,  and 
that  if  he  could  escape,  he.  would  leave  the  country  and  throw, 
himself  into  their  hands,  The  conduct  of  the  allies  and  of  the, 
king  favored  these  suspicions,  and  enabled  the  leaders  of  the 
violent  party  to  inflame  the  fears,  and  passions  of  the  people  to 
the  highest  pitch.  The  violent  party  were  still  a  minority  in  the 
assembly:  but  by  their  boldness,  their  violent  measures,  and  the 
control  and  direction  they  had  acquired  over  public  opinion,  they 
over-awed  the  deliberations,  and  in  a  great  measure  dictated  to 
the  assembly.  The  leaders  of  this  party  feared  no  man  so  much 
as  La  Fayette:  from  his  known  integrity,  his  attachment  to  the 
constitution,  the  nation  and  the  king,  from  the  popularity  he  still, 
maintained  with  moderate  men  of  all  parties,  and  above  all 
from  his  having  the  command  of  the  army,  they  were  sensible  they 
could  never  succeed  in  their  ambitious  plans  until  he  was  out 
of  the  way;  they  were  determined  therefore  to  destroy  him.-  -~ 
He  was  denounced  in  the  assembly  and  the  papers  as  having 
engaged  in  a  conspiracy  with  the  king  against  the  nation.  But 
neither  the  personal  danger  to  which  he  perceived  himself  expo-, 
sed,  nor  the  gathering  storm  which  threatened  to  burst  on  his 
county,  shook  his  firmness  in  the  least,  or  deterred  him  from 
making  a  bold  and  resolute  effort,  to  save  the  constitution,  the 
king  and  his  country  from  all  the  evils  of  anarchy  and  civil  war. 
.Accordingly,  on  the  16th  of  June,  he  addressed  to  the  national 
assembly,  a  long  letter,  in  which  he  openly  denounced  the  Jac^ 
obin  faction  as  the  authors  of  all  the  mischiefs  which  afflicted  the 
nation,  and  conjured  the  assembly  to  crush  the  factions  and  save 
the  nation.     Thjs  letter  unfolded  the  situation  and  sentiments  of 


f.IARQUIS  DE  LA   FAYETTE.  51!) 

*Tia  Fayette  so  fully  at  this  conjuncture,  that  it  ought  not  to  be 
omitted  in  a  memoir  of  his  life: — 

At  the  entrenched    camp  of       } 
Mtubcgc,  1 6th  June,   1792.       \ 
"  Gentlemen, 

"  At  the  moment,  perhaps  too  long  deferred,  in  which  I  am 
about  to  call  your  attention  to  the  highest  public  interests,  and  to 
point  out  among  our  dangers,  the  conduct  of  a  ministry,  whom  I 
have  for  a  long  time  censured  in  my  correspondence,  I  learn  that; 
unmasked  in  consequence  of  its  own  divisions,  it  has  fallen  a 
sacrifice  to  its  own  intrigues.  [This  was  the  Brissotin  ministry.] 
It  is  not  enough,  however,  that  this  branch  of  the  government 
has  been  delivered  from  its  disastrous  influence.  The  public 
welfare  is  in  peril — The  fate  of  France  depends  principally  on 
its  representatives — The  nation  expects  from  them  its  security. 
But  in  giving  them  a  constitution,  France  has  prescribed  to  them 
the  o>ily  means  by  which  she  can  be  saved. 

"  Persuaded,  gentleman,  that  as  the  rights  of  man  arc  the  law 
of  every  constituent  assembly,  a  constitution  ought  to  be  the  law 
of  the  legislators,  which  that  constitution  shall  have  established. 
It  is  to  you  that  I  ought  to  denounce  the  too  powerful  efforts 
which  are  making,  to  induce  you  to  depart  from  that  course  which 
yon  have  promised  to  pursue. 

"  Nothing  shall  deter  me  from  the  exercise  of  this  right  of  a  free- 
man, to  fulfil  this  duty  of  a  citizen;  neither  the  momentary  erro^ 
of  opinion;  fur  what  are  opinions  when  the}7  depart  from  prin- 
ciples? nor  my  respect  for  the  representatives  of  the  people;  for 
I  respect  still  more  the  people  whose  sovereign  will  it  is  to  have 
a  constitution;  nor  the  benevolence  and  kindness  which  you 
have  constantly  evinced  for  myself;  for  I  would  preserve  that  as 
I  obtained  it,  by  an  inflexible  love  of  liberty. 

"  Your  situation  is  difficult — F ranee  is  menaced  from  without, 
and  agitated  within.  Whilst  foreign  powers  announce  the 
intolerable  (inadmissible)  project  of  attacking  our  national 
sovereignty,  and  avow  it  as  a  principle!  at  the  same  time  the 
enemies  of  France,  its  interior  enemies,  intoxicated  with  fanat. 
icism  and  pride,  entertain  chimerical  hopcf,  and  annoy  us  with. 


360  MARQUIS  DE  LA  1 AYETTE. 

their  insolent  malevolence;  You  ought,  gentlemen,  to  repress 
them;  and  you  will  have  the  power  so  to  do,  only  when  you. 
shall  become  constitutional  and  just.  You  wish  it,  no  doubt;  but 
cast  your  eyes  upon  all  that  passes  within  your  own  body  and 
around  you.  Can  you  dissemble  even  to  yourselves,  that  a 
faction,  (and  to  avoid  all  vague  denunciations)  the  jacobin  faction, 
have  caused  all  these  disorders?  It  is  that  which  I  boldly  accuse — 
organized  like  a  separate  empire  in  the  metropolis,  and  its  affil- 
iated societies,  blindly  directed  by  some  ambitious  leaders,  this 
sect  forms  a  corporation  entirely  distinct  in  the  midst  of  the  French 
people*  whose  powers  it  usurps,  by  tyrannizing  over  its  represen- 
tatives and  constituted  authorities* 

4i  It  is  in  that  body*  in  its  public  meeting,  the  love  of  the  laws 
Is  denounced  as  aristocracy,  and  their  breach  as  patriotism. — 
There  the  assassins  of  Dessilles  recei  ve  their  triumphs,  the  crimes 
of  Jourdan  find  panegyrists.  There  the  recital  oi  the  massacre 
which  has  stained  the  city  of  Mentz,  has  also  been  received  with 
infernal  acclamations!  Have  they  become  sacred  because  the 
emperor  Leopold  has  pronounced  their  name?  And  because 
it  is  our  highest  duty  tc>  combat  the  foreigners  who  mingle  in  our 
domestic  quarrels*  are  we  at  liberty  to  refrain  from  delivering 
our  country  from  domestic  tyranny? 

u  Of  what  importance  is  it,  as  to  the  fulfilment  of  this  duty, 
that  strangers  have  their  projects,  and  their  connivance  and 
concert  with  our  internal  foes?  It  is  I,  who  denounce  to  you 
this  sect  (the  jacobins  •)  I,  who,  without  speaking  of  my  past 
life,  can  reply  to  those  who  suspect  my  motives — "  Approach,  in 
this  m6ment  of  awful  crisis,  when  the  character  of  each  man 
must  be  known,  and  see  which  of  us,  more  inflexible  in  his 
principles*  more  obstinate  in  his  resistance,  will  more  courage- 
ously overcome  those  obstacles, and  those  dangers,  which  traitors 
to  their  country  conceal,  and  which  true  citizens  know  how  to 
ippreciate,  and  to  brave  for  her." 

"  And  how  could  I  delay  longer  to  fulfil  this  duty,  whilst  every 
successive  day  weakens  still  more  the  constituted  authorities? 
substitutes  the  spirit  of  party  for  the  will  of  the  people;  whilst 
■•he  audacity  of  the  agitators*  [the  disorganizes]  imposes  silence 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  S2 1 

on  peaceable  citizens,  throws  into  retirement  useful  men,  and 
whilst  devotion  to  the  sect  or  party  stands  in  the  place  of  public  and 
private  virtues,  which,  in  a  free  country,  ought  to  be  the  austere 
[severe,  or  strict]  and  only  means  of  attaining  to  pubHc  office. 

"  It  is,  after  having  been  opposed  to  all  the  obstacles,  and  to 
all  the  snares,  which  were  laid  for  me,  the  courageous  and  per- 
severing patriotism  of  an  army,  sacrificed  perhaps  to  conspiracies 
against  its  commander,  [La  Fayette  was  the  commander]  that  I 
now  oppose  to  this  faction  the  correspondence  of  a  ministry,  worthy 
representative  of  its  club — a  correspondence,  the  calculations  of 
which  are  false,  its  promises  vain  and  illusory — its  information 
deceitful  or  frivolous — its  advice  perfidious  or  contradictory — 
correspondence,  in  which,  after  pressing  me  to  advance  without 
precaution — to  attack  without  means — they  finally  began  to  tell 
me  that  resistance  was  impossible,  when  I  indignantly  repelled  the 
cowardly  and  base  assertion.  What  a  remarkable  conformity 
of  language,  gentlemen,  between  the  factions  whom  the  aristoc- 
racy avow,  and  those  who  usurp  the  name  of  patriots!  They 
both  wish  to  overthrow  our  laws,  rejoice  in  our  disorders,  array 
themselves  against  the  constituted  authorities,  detest  the  national 
guards  (the  militia) — preach  insubordination  to  the  army — sow, 
at  one  moment,  distrust,  at  another,  discouragement. 

"  As  to  myself,  gentlemen,  who  embraced  the  American  cause  at 
the  moment  when  its  ambassadors  declared  to  me  that  it  was  perilous 
or  desperate — who  from  that  moment  have  devoted  my  life  to  a 
persevering  defence  of  liberty  and  of  the  sovereignty  of  the 
people — who,  on  the  14th  of  July,  1789,  (after  the  taking  of  the 
Bastile,)  in  presenting  to  my  country  a  declaration  of  rights, 
dared  to  say,  "  that  in  order  that  a  nation  should  be  free,  it  is 
only  necessary  that  it  should  will  so  to  be,"  1  come,  this  day, 
full  of  confidence  in  the  justice  of  our  cause — of  contempt,  for 
the  cowards  who  desert  it,  and  of  indignation  against  the  trai- 
tors who  would  sully  or  stain  it  with  crimes;  I  am  ready  to 
declare  that  the  French  nation,  if  it  is  not  the  vilest  in  the  uni- 
verse, can  and  ought  to  resist  the  conspiracy  of  kings  who  have 
coalesced  against  it! 

"  It  is  not  in  the  midst  of  my  brave  army  that  timid  counsels 

6* 


520  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

should  be  permitted — Patriotism,  discipline,  patience,  mutual 
confidence,  all  the  military  and  civil  virtues  I  find  here.  Here 
the  principles  of  liberty  and  equality  are  cherished,  the  laws 
respected,  property  held  sacred.  Here  calumnies  and  factions 
are  unknown.  And  when  I  reflect  that  France  has  many  millions 
who  can  become  such  soldiers,  I  ask  myself,  to  what  a  degree  of 
debasement  must  such  an  immense  people  be  reduced,  stronger  in 
its  natural  resources  than  in  its  artificial  defences,  opposing  to  a 
monstrous  and  discordant  confederation  simple  and  united  coun- 
sels and  combinations,  that  the  cowardly,  degrading  idea  of 
sacrificing  its  sovereignty,  of  permitting  any  discussion  as  to  its 
liberties,  of  committing  to  negotiation  its  rights,  could  be  con- 
sidered among  the  possibilities  of  a  rapidly  advancing  futurity! 

"  But,  in  order  that  we,  soldiers  of  liberty,  should  combat  for 
her  with  efficacy,  or  die  for  her  with  any  fruit  or  advantage,  it 
is  necessary  that  the  number  of  the  defenders  of  the  country- 
should  be  promptly  made  in  some  degree  proportionate  to  that 
of  our  opponents  5  that  the  supplies  of  all  descriptions  should  be 
increased  so  as  to  facilitate  our  movements;  that  the  comfort  and 
conveniences  of  the  troops,  their  clothes  and  arms,  their  pay^ 
the  accommodations  for  the  sick,  should  no  longer  be  subject  to 
fatal  delays,  or  to  a  miserable  and  misplaced  economy,  which 
defeats  its  very  end. 

"  It  is  above  all,  necessary  that  the  citizens  rallied  round  their 
constitution,  should  be  assured  that  the  rights  which  that  consti- 
tution guarantees  shall  be  respected  with  a  religious  fidelity; 
which  will  of  itself  cause  more  despair  to  our  enemies  than  any 
other  measure. 

"  Do  not  repel  this  desire — this  ardent  wish.  It  is  that  of  all 
the  sincere  friends  of  your  legitimate  authority ;  assured  that  no 
unjust  consequences  or  effect  can  flow  from  a  pure  principle — 
that  no  tyranical  measure  can  save  a  cause,  which  owes  its  force, 
aye  and  its  glory,  to  the  sacred  principles  of  liberty  and  equality. 
Let  criminal  jurisprudence  resume  its  constitutional  power. — 
Let  civil  equality — let  religious  freedom  enjoy  the  application 
of  their  true  principles.  In  fine,  let  the  reign  of  the  clubs  be 
annihilated  by  you ;  let  them  give  place  to  the  laws — their  usur- 


MARQ.UIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE  588 

pations  to  the  firm  and  independent  exercise  of  the  powers  of 
the  constituted  authorities — their  disorganizing  maxims  to  the 
true  principles  of  liberty — their  delirious  fury  to  the  calm  and 
constant  courage  of  a  nation  which  knows  its  rights,  and  is  ready 
to  defend  them — in  fine,  their  sectarian  combinations  to  the  true 
interests  of  the  country,  of  the  nation,  which  in  a  moment  of 
danger  ought  to  unite  a//,  except  those  to  whom  its  subjection 
and  ruin  are  the  objects  of  atrocious  pleasure  and  infamous 
speculation. 

LA  FAYETTE. 

The  sentiments  contained  in  this  letter,  are  bold,  noble,  and 
patriotic,  worthy  of  the  disciple  of  Washington,  and  of  the  hero 
and  patriot  of  the  American  revolution.  But  the  efforts  of  La 
Fayette  were  in  vain;  the  audacity  and  violence  of  the  jacobin 
faction  continued  to  increase;  the  assembly  had  not  the  courage 
or  the  power  to  repress  them,  and  affairs  rapidly  approached  a 
crisis.  On  the  20th  of  June,  a  vast  and  promiscuous  multitude, 
beaded  by  Santerre,  armed  with  pikes  and  preceded  with  two 
cannon,  advanced  to  the  palace,  and  overcoming  every  obstacle, 
found  their  way  to  the  presence  of  the  king  and  royal  family. 
They  read  a  petition  to  his  majesty,  praying  for  the  dismissal  of 
the  new  ministry  and  the  relinquishment  of  hisveto,  by  means  of 
which  he  had  suspended  several  decrees.  Louis  manifested 
great  courage  and  firmness,  and  after  an  animated  address  from 
Vergniaux,  a  leading  member  of  the  assembly,  and  a  few  words 
from  Petion,  mayor  of  Paris,  the  populace  withdrew,  without 
committing  any  violence;  but  not  until  they  had  placed  the  red 
cap  of  liberty  on  the  head  of  the  king,  to  see  how  the  symbol  of 
freedom,  would  become  the  brow  of  royalty. 

This  and  other  outrages,  together  with  the  repeated  denunci- 
ations against  himself,  induced  La  Fayette  to  confront  his  accu- 
sers, and  make  one  more  still  bolder  effort,  to  rouse  the  assembly 
to  a  sense  of  danger,  and  inspire  them  with  that  courage  and 
firmness,  demanded  by  the  crisis.  Leaving  the  head-quarters 
of  the  army,  he  repaired  to  Paris,  and  fearlessly  presented 
himself  before  the  bar  of  the  national  assembly,  confronted  his 
enemies,  and  demanded  to  be  tried.     Being  acquitted  by  a  great 


524  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE 

majority,  "  he  entreated  the  assembly  to  come  forward  anu 
the  country  from  ruin,  by  dissolving  the  factious  clubs  and  inflic- 
ting exemplary  punishment  on  the  authors  of  the  late  disgrace- 
ful riots.1'  His  friends  in  the  assembly  were  numerous,  and 
undoubtedly  a  majority  of  that  body  condemned  the  violent 
proceedings  against  which  he  raised  his  voice;  but  they  had 
not  courage  to  act;  the  assembly  were  overawed  and  enslaved 
by  the  audacity  and  tyranny  of  desperate  and  unprincipled  dem- 
agogues who  controlled  the  fury  of  the  populace.  The  presence 
of  La  Fayette,  revived  the  recollections  of  the  national  guards 
of  Paris,  of  his  unbounded  popularity  when  he  was  placed  at 
their  head;  they  assembled  before  the  hotel  where  he  lodged, 
planted  the  tree  of  liberty  before  the  door,  decorated  it  with 
ensigns  and  ribbons,  and  greeted  him  with  enthusiastic  excla- 
mations of  La  Fayette  and  the  constitution!  La  Fayette  and 
liberty,  viva  le  La  Fayette! 

Finding  that  all  his  efforts  to  preserve  tranquility,  repress  the 
factions,  and  preserve  the  constitution  were  unavailing,  he  left 
the  capitol  and  returned  to  the  army  on  the  frontiers.  On  reti- 
ring he  addressed  the  following  note  to  the  assembly, containing 
the  most  noble  and  patriotic  sentiments,  expressed  in  dignified 
language. 

"  Gentlemen — In  returning  to  the  post  where  brave  soldiers 
are  ready  to  die  for  the  constitution,  but  ought  not  and  will  not 
lavish  their  blood  except  for  that,  1  go  with  great  and  deep  regret 
in  not  being  able  to  inform  the  army,  that  the  national  assembly 
have  yet  deigned  to  come  to  any  determination  on  my  petition. 
[Alluding  to  the  request  in  his  letter  to  the  assembly  a  short  time 
before  to  suppress  the  Jacobin  clubs.]  The  voice  of  all  the 
good  citizens  of  the  kingdom,  which  some  factious  clamours 
strive  to  stifle,  daily  calls  to  the  elected  representatives  of  the 
people,  that  while  there  exists  near  them  a  sect  who  fetter  all 
the  authorities  and  menace  their  independence;  and  who,  after 
provoking  war,  are  endeavoring,  by  changing  the  nature  of  our 
cause,  to  make  it  impossible  to  defend  it;  that  while  there  is 
cause  to  blush  at  the  impunity  of  an  act  of  treason  against  the 
nation,  which  has  raised  just  and  great  alarms  in  the  minds  of 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  525' 

all  the  French,  and  universal  indignation ;  our  liberty,  laws,  and 
honor  are  in  danger. 

Truths  like  these,  free  and  generous  souls  are  not  afraid  of 
speaking.  Hostile  to  the  factions  of  every  kind,  indignant  at 
cowards  that  can  sink  so  low  as  to  look  for  foreign  interposition, 
and  impressed  with  the  principle,  which  I  glory  in  being  the 
first  to  declare  to  France,  that  all  illegal  pozoer  is  oppression, 
against  which,  resistance  becomes  a  duty,  we  are  anxious  to  make 
known  our  fears  to  the  legislative  body.  We  hope  that  the  pru- 
dence of  the  representatives  of  the  people  will  relieve  our 
minds  of  them.  As  for  me,  gentlemen,  who  will  never  alter  my 
principles,  sentiments,  or  language,  1  thought  that  the  national 
assembly,  considering  the  urgency  and  danger  of  circumstances, 
would  permit  me  to  add  my  regrets  and  wishes  to  my  profound 
respect." 

The  boldness  and  intrrepidity  of  the  conduct  of  La  Fayette 
on  this  occasion,  when  he  was  openly  denounced  by  the  violent 
leaders,  and  known  to  be  the  object  of  the  hatred  and  vengeance 
of  all  the  factious  demagogues,  could  only  have  been  inspired 
by  a  conviction  that  an  awful  crisis  was  impending,  and  a  con- 
sciousness of  the  justness  of  his  cause,  and  the  integrity  and 
patriotism  of  his  motives. 

**  Thrice  is  he  armed  who  has  his  quarrel  just, 
And  he  but  naked,  though  locked  up  in  steel, 
Whose  conscience  with  injustice  is  corrupted." 

Among  the  accusations  against  La  Fayette,  he  was  charged 
with  a  design  to  march  to  Paris  with  his  army,  and  to  force  the 
assembly  to  act  agreeably  to  his  wishes.  Tn  behalf  of  the  as- 
sembly, the  minister  of  the  interior  wrote  to  him  on  the 
subject,  and  Gen.  La  Fayette  in  reply  observed — "If  I  were 
questioned  respecting  my  principles,  I  should  say  that  as  a  con- 
stant proclaimer  and  defender  of  the  rights  of  man  and  the  sov- 
ereignty of  the  people,  I  have  every  where  and  always  resisted 
authorities  which  liberty  disavowed,  and  which  the  national  will 
had  not  delegated;  and  that  I  have  every  where  and  always 
obeyed  those  of  which  a  free  constitution  had  fixed  the  forms 


526  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

and  limits.  But  I  am  questioned  respecting  a  fact — Did  1  pro- 
pose to  Marshal  Luckner  to  march  to  Paris  with  our  armies? 
To  which  I  answer  in  four  words — it  is  not  trw" 

Whilst  faction  raged  within,  the  storm  was  gathering  without } 
the  coalition  having  received  the  accession  of  several  other 
powers,  had  collected  an  army  of  80,000  men  on  the  frontiers 
of  France,  for  the  invasion  of  the  country.  The  Duke  of 
Brunswick,  who  had  been  appointed  generalissimo  of  the  com- 
bined forces,  on  the  25th  of  July,  issued  a  manifesto,  in  which 
he  declared  that  (he  object  of  the  coalition  was  to  annihilate 
the  existing  government,  liberate  the  king,  and  re-establish  the 
monarchy  and  the  ansient  regime ;  that  the  national  assembly 
should  be  answerable  with  their  heads  for  the  safety  of  the  royal 
family;  and  that  the  city  of  Paris  should  be  held  responsible  for 
all  disorders,  and  if  the  least  violence  should  be  offered  to  any 
one  of  the  Royal  family,  that  city  should  be  razed  to  the  ground, 
and  the  inhabitants  exterminated  with  the  sword.  He  also 
denounced  vengeance  and  military  execution  against  all'who 
should  be  found  in  arms  in. support  of  the  existing  government, 
and  in  defence  of  their  own  country.  This  infamouns  coalition, 
as  weak  as  it  was  wicked,  with  the  avowal  of  such  abominable 
intentions  and  objects,  confirmed  the  suspicions  of  the  unfortu- 
nate monarch,  inflamed  the  already  exasperated  feelings  towards 
him,  and  hurried  on  his  fate,  and  that  of  France,  by  strength- 
ening the  violent  party,  and  giving  them  an  ascendency. 

On  the  3d  of  August,  Petion,  at  the  head  of  the  Sections  of 
Paris,  appeared  before  the  bar  of  the  assembly,  and  demanded 
the  deposition  of  the  king;  and  numerous  petitions  to  this  effect 
were  received  from  various  quarters.  Affairs  having  ripened 
to  a  crisis,  on  the  night  of  the  9th  of  August,  a  conspiracy  was 
formed  by  the  leaders  of  the  violent  party,  to  overthrow  the 
king,  the  monarchy,  and  the  constitution,  at  one  blow.  Dan- 
ton,  Desmoulins,  Conville,  Tallien  Fabre  d'Eglantine,  Collofc 
d'Herbois,  Santerre,  and  others,  met  in  the  hall  of  the  Corde- 
liers. Danton,  with  a  loud  and  furious  voice,  concluded  a  ve- 
hement speech,  in  which  he  recapitulated  the  crimes  of  the 
court,  with  the  following  appeal: — "Let  us  cease  to  appeal  to 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  527 

the  laws  and  the  legislators,  the  greater  part  of  them  are  no- 
thing better  than  the  accomplices  of  La  Fayette,  whom  they 
have  just  absolved.  To  absolve  that  traitor,  is  to  deliver  our- 
selves to  him,  to  the  enemies  of  France,  and  to  the  sanguinary 
vengeance  of  the  coalesced  kings.  What  do  I  say!  it  is  this 
very  night  which  this  perfidious  Louis  has  selected  for  deliver- 
ing up  to  carnage  and  to  the  flames  that  capital  which  he  wishes 
once  more  to  leave — To  arms!  to  arms!"  This  cry  in  an  in- 
stant was  repeated  from  a  thousand  mouths;  it  spread  like  light- 
ning in  every  direction;  the  bells  were  rung,  and  in  a  few  min- 
utes the  dreadful  tocsin  of  alarm  resounded  through  the  capital, 
filling  the  inhabitants  with  fear,  and  carrying  terror  and  dismay 
to  every  apartment  of  the  Thuilleries.  More  than  20,000  men, 
headed  by  Westermann,  armed  in  various  ways,  with  forty 
pieces  of  cannon,  made  a  furious  assault  on  the  castle  of  the 
Thuilleries.  The  Swiss  Guards  made  a  resolute  and  obstinate 
defence,  but  were  overpowered  by  numbers,  and  nearly  all  mas- 
sacred. Before  the  attack,  the  king  and  royal  family  fled  for 
refuge  to  the  national  assembly,  where  they  remained  for  four- 
teen hours,  in  a  small  box  appropriated  to  the  reporter  of  a 
newspaper;  he  was  finally  conducted,  under  a  strong  escort,  to 
the  Temple.  The  king  being  thus  deposed,  in  fact,  and  being 
overawed  by  the  violent  leaders,  the  assembly  passed  a  series  of 
acts  declaring  the  executive  power  suspended,  and  the  autho- 
rity vested  in  the  king  by  the  constitution,  revoked;  and  inviting 
the  people  to  meet  in  primary  assemblies,  and  elect  members  to 
a  national  convention.  A  provisional  executive  council  was 
established,  and  a  decree  of  accusation  issued  against  several 
of  the  late  ministers. 

News  of  these  violent  proceedings  reached  La  Fayette  at 
his  head-quarters,  at  Sedan,  on  the  10th  inst.  He  did  not,  for 
a  moment,  hesitate  how  to  act:  as  he  had  been  the  first  to  oppose 
the  despotism  of  the  court,  he  was  alse  the  first  to  oppose  the 
faction  and  tyranny  of  unprincipled  demagogues,  who  trampled 
under  foot  the  constitution  they  had  sworn  to  support.  He  im- 
mediately addressed  to  the  army  under  his  command,  the  fol 
lowing  letter: — 


528  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

*  Citizen  Soldiers, 

"It  is  no  longer  time  to  conceal  from  you  what  is  going  for- 
ward: the  constitution  you  swore  to  maintain,  is  no  more;  a 
banditti  from  Marseilles,  and  a  troop  of  factious  men  besieged 
the  palace  of  the  Thuilleries;  the  National  and  Swiss  Guards 
made  a  vigorous  resistance,  but  for  want  of  ammunition  they 
were  obliged  to  surrender. 

"  General  D'Affry,  his  aids-de-camp,  and  his  whole  family, 
were  murdered. 

"The  king,  queen,  and  all  the  royal  family,  escaped  to  the 
national  assembly;  the  factious  ran  thither,  holding  a  sword  in 
one  hand,  and  fire  in  the  other,  and  forced  the  legislative  body 
to  supersede  the  king,  which  was  done  for  the  sake  of  saving 
his  life. 

"Citizens,  you  are  no  longer  represented;  the  national  assem- 
bly is  in  a  ttate  of  slavery;  your  armies  are  without  leaders; 
Petion  reigns;  the  savage  Dantonand  his  satellites  are  masters. 
Thus,  soldiers,  it  is  your  province  to  examine  whether  you  will 
restore  the  hereditary  representatives  to  the  throne,  or  submit 
to  the  disgrace  of  having  a  Petion  for  your  king." 

"  Gen.  Dillon,  who  commanded  the  northern  army,  and  who 
had  been  a  member  of  the  first  assembly,  having  assembled  his 
troops,  prevailed  on  them  to  take  the  oath  of  fidelity  "  to  the  na- 
tion, the  law,  and  the  king."  Marshal  Luckner  hesitated,  for  a 
long  time,  but  finally  declared  for  the  assemby;  and  the  other 
generals,  Biron,  Montesquieu,  Kellerman,  and  Custine,  sent  in 
their  adhesion,  and  bowed  to  the  new  order  of  things,  and  to- 
gether with  their  troops,  took  the  republican  oaths.  The  effect 
of  the  appeal  of  La  Fayette  to  his  troops,  was  for  a  short  time 
uncertain ;  the  soldiers  at  first  apparently  responded  to  his  senti- 
ments ;  but  he  soon  found  that  the  contagion  had  spread  among 
the  troops,  and  that  their  fidelity  was  no  longer  to  be  depended 
upon.  The  assembly,  anticipating  that  La  Fayette  would  not 
recognise  their  authority,  had  despatched  three  commissioners 
to  arrest  him,  or  secure  the  army,  by  inducing  the  troops  to  de- 
sert. On  their  arrival  at  Sedan,  La  Fayette  ordered  them  to 
be  arrested,  and  held  as  hostages  for  the  safety  of  the  king  and 


MAfcQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  52$ 

his  family;  they  were  detained  from  the  14th  to  the  20th  inst. 
The  situation  of  La  Fayette  became  every  day  more  critical; 
the  assembly  passed  a  decree  of  accusation  against  him,  and 
finding  that  he  had  lost  the  confidence  of  the  army,  and  that  his 
troops  were  ready  to  desert  him,  he  deemed  it  prudent  to  seek 
an  asylum  in  a  foreign  land,  and  intended  ultimately  to  go  to 
America. 

Thus  terminated  the  revolutionary  career  of  La  Fayette  in 
his  own  country;  very  different  from  the  termination  of  his  ex- 
ertions in  the  glorious  struggle  for  liberty  in  America.  Here, 
although  a  foreigner,  he  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  the  govern- 
ment and  of  the  nation,  and  the  universal  love  and  esteem  of  the 
people.  There,  after  all  his  services  and  sacrifices,  and  the 
unbounded  popularity  he  had  enjoyed,  he  was  proscribed,  and 
a  reward  offered  for  his  head  by  the  government,  and  theobjeel, 
of  the  suspicion,  if  not  of  the  hatred,  of  the  people. 

In  the  early  siages  of  the  revolution,  his  popularity  and  in- 
fluence were  very  great.  He  proposed  the  first  plan  of  a  "de- 
claration of  rights"  in  the  constituent  assembly;  he  was  firs! 
appointed  commander  of  the  National  Guards  of  Paris,  and 
after  the  recall  of  Necker,  he  was  unanimously  chosen  com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  National  Guards  of  the  whole  kingdom, 
which  he,  in  a  great  measure,  organized  and  instituted,  the  tri- 
colored  cockade.  In  this  capacity  he  presided  at  the  grand  na- 
tional fete,  on  the  14th  of  July,  as  the  generalissimo  of  a  greater 
body  of  troops,  than  had  ever  perhaps  been  under  the  immediate 
command  of  one  man,  since  the  days  of  Xerxes. 

In  1791,  after  the  constitution  was  established,  and  the  new 
government  organized,  he  resigned  his  command  and  retired  to 
his  estate.  He  declined  to  receive  any  thing  for  his  services, 
or  the  sacrifices  he  had  made.  On  being  pressed  on  this  sub- 
ject, by  the  assembly  and  the  municipality  of  Paris,  he  replied 
— "My  private  fortune  secures  me  from  want;  it  has  out-, 
lasted  two  revolutions,  and  should  it  survive  a  third,  through 
the  complacence  of  the  people,  it  shall  belong  to  them  alone/' 

When  the  coalition  was  formed  against  France,  near  the  close 
of  the  year  '91.  be  wu?  called  from  retirement  to  take  the  com- 

C7 


530  TV1ARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

mand  of  (he  central  army;  he  was  at  that  time  major-genera), 
but  soon  obtained  the  rank  of  lieutenant-general,  and  marshal 
of  France. 

If  La  Fayette  failed  in  his  attempt  to  secure  the  liberties  of 
his  own  country,  and  establish  a  free  government,  founded  on 
the  immutable  basis  of  the  sovereignty  of  the  people,  the  del- 
egation of  authority,  the  representative  principle,  and  the  su- 
premacy of  constitutional  law,  it  is  no  impeachment  of  his  pa- 
triotism or  his  capacity.  He  did  not  fail  alone;  the  many  illus- 
trious and  patriotic  men,  who  were  associated  with  him,  failed 
likewise.  They  succeeded,  however,  in  accomplishing  the 
revolution  as  far  as  they  proposed  to  carry  it,  but  the  difficulty 
was  in  stopping  it  from  going  farther.  In  this  they  failed;  and 
it  is  by  no  means  probable,  that  any  body  of  men,  not  even 
Washington  and  the  American  Continental  Congress,  could 
have  been  more  successful.  The  circumstances  of  the  times 
were  unexampled,  and  events  are  not  therefore,  to  be  decided 
on,  according  to  ordinary  principles. 

The  overthrow  of  the  monarchy  and  the  constitution,  on  the 
10th  of  August,  and  the  execution  of  the  king,  and  all  the  vio- 
lent proceedings  which  followed,  are  more  to  be  attributed  to 
the  infamous  coalition  formed  against  France  than  any  other 
cause.  Had  it  not  been  for  this  unholy  interference  of  the 
"holy  alliance"  of*  that  day,  it  is  more  ihan  probable,  that  La 
Fayette  and  his  party  would  have  succeeded  in  preserving  the 
constitutional  government,  in  saving  the  king  from  the  guillotine, 
and  the  nation  from  all  the  horrors  of  anarchy  and  civil  war. 
La  Fayette  was  sincerely  and  ardently  devoted  to  the  constitu- 
tion; to  popular  and  free  institutions,  and  to  regulated  liberty; 
he  could  admit  of  no  compromise  of  principle,  or  violation  of 
constituted  authority;  and  his  personal  integrity,  as  well  as  po- 
litical principles,  required  him  to  adhere  in  the  most  scrupulous 
manner  to  the  oath  he  had  taken,  of  fidelity  to  the  constitution, 
the  nation  and  the  king.  And  although  he  did  not  succeed  in 
preserving  the  constitution  or  protecting  the  monarch,  he  did 
what  was  more  important  to  his  own  reputation ;  he  maintained 
bis  integrity  and  fidelity  under  the  most  trying  circumstances,  to 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  Wl 

fche  last.  It  was  this  fidelity  that  occasioned  his  proscription;, 
had  he  yielded  in  some  degree,  to  the  times,  and  gone  along 
with  the  current  of  popular  opinion,  still  endeavoring  to  main- 
tain what  control  and  direction  he  could  over  it,  he  might  have^ 
saved  himself  from  the  storm  which  at  that  time  burst  upon  him, 
and  possibly  his  country  from  the  dreadful  evils  which  after- 
ward befell  it.  This, however,  is  extremely  problematical:  and 
at  any  rate,  it  could  not  have  been  done,  without  compromising 
both  his  personal  integrity  and  political  principles,  and  would 
have  destroyed  that  consistency  of  character  for  which  he  now 
stands  so  conspicuous. 

That  La  Fayette  and  his  party  were  correct  in  their  views 
and  objects,  the  result  has  shown;  their  opinions  of  the  jacobin 
leaders  proved  to  be  well  founded,  and  had  the  counsels  of  the 
party  of  which  he  was  the  leader  prevailed,  France  would  not 
only  have  been  saved  from  the  anarchy  which  afterward  afflic- 
ted her,  but  would  have  preserved  her  liberty  and  all  the  bles- 
sings of  free  institutions.  Although  from  the  peculiar  and  ex- 
traordinary circumstances  under  which  he  was  required  to  act. 
he  may  in  some  instances  have  misjudged  or  committed  errors, 
yet  now,  no  one,  unless  it  be  the  minions  of  royalty  and  the  crea- 
tures of 'the  'holy  alliance,'  can  doubt  the  rectitude  of  his  in- 
tentions, the  soundness  of  his  principles,  or  that  he  was  a  sincere 
friend  of  liberty  and  his  country. 

On  the  20th  of  August,  La  Fayette,*  with  his  three  friends, 
Generals  Latour  Maubeurg,  Alexandre  Lameth,  and  Bureau  de 
Puzy,  the  commandant  of  engineers,  with  his  aids-de-camp  and 
a  part  of  his  staff,  mounted  on  horse  back  with  an  escort,  started 
f>ff,  as  if  to  reconnoitre,  which  was  supposed  to  be  the  object  by 
all  except  the  three  first,  as  they  alone  were   in  the  secret. 

*The  account  of  La  Fayette's  imprisonment  and  suffering?,  and  the  parti- 
culars of  the  attempts  made  to  effect  his  escape,  are  taken  from  the  recent  work 
of  General  II.  L.  Villaume  Ducoudrav  IIolstf.in,  who,  under  the  fictitious 
Dame  of  Peter  Feldmann,  assisted  in  the  liberation  of  La  Fayette  from  the 
prisons  of  Olmutz.  The  accuracy  of  General  Holstein's  account  of  the  at- 
tempts made  to  effect  the  escape  of  General  La  Fayette,  has  been  questioned, 
and  differs  in  many  respects  from  former  accounts.  But  as  he  possessed  the 
means  of  information,  it  would  bu  strange  that  he  should  attach  his  name  to  a 
publication,  professing  the  fidelity  of  history,  which  had  more  the  character  ot 
rnmajneo. 


532  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTJ 

They  proceeded  eight  or  ten  miles,  and  dismounted  at  an  run, 
and  established  sentinels  to  guard  against  surprise  from  the  en- 
enemy's  patroles*  Here  General  La  Fayette  communicated 
intelligence  from  the  capital;  that  he  had  been  declared  a  trai- 
tor and  an  enemy  of  his  country,  a  decree  of  accusation  passed 
against  him,  and  a  price  set  upon  his  head.  He  concluded  by 
saying,  that  he  had  determined  to  quit  his  country  for  a  time, 
and  that  he  should  consider  any  man  her  enemy  who  should 
propose  to  take  up  arms  against  her.  Nothing  could  equal  the 
astonishment  and  indignation  of  these  young  officers;  and  not- 
withstanding the  injunction,  they  unanimously  declared  that 
the  only  way  left  to  save  their  country  and  their  general,  was  to 
march  direct  to  Paris,  and  disperse  and  put  down  the  Jacobin 
taction.  This  their  patriotic  and  persecuted  general  positively 
declined.  They  then  insisted  on  emigrating  with  him;  but  he 
represented  to  them  the  danger  of  this,  to  themselves  and  fam- 
ilies, and  entreated  them  to  return  to  the  camp.  He  finally  con- 
sented that  the  two  brothers,  Latour  and  Louis  Maubourg,  Bu- 
reau de  Puzy,  Alexandre  Lameth,  Augustc  Masson,Renc  Pillet, 
and  Cadignan  might  accompany  him.  The  rest  of  the  officers, 
with  the  escort  of  150  cavalry,  returned  to  the  camp.  The 
cavalry  at  first,  however,  refused  to  return,  and  insisted  on  ac- 
companying their  general.  Here  it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that 
La  Fayette,  persecuted  and  proscribed  as  he  was,  by  an  un- 
grateful country,  did  not  attempt  to  procure  the  desertion  of  a 
single  regiment;  he  would  rot  even  petmit  the  escort  that  had 
accompanied  him,  to  share  his  fortunes,  which  they  were  desi- 
rous to  do,  but  insisted  on  their  returning.  The  situation  of  La 
Fayette  at  this  time,  and  the  dreadful  reflections  whhch  agitated 
Ills  mind,  if  they  can  be  conceived,  cannot  be  described.  His 
own  danger,  and  that  of  his  family  and  his  estate;  the  distracted 
condition  of  his  ungrateful  country,  torn  to  pieces  by  factions, 
binder  the  misrule  of  anarchists,  and  on  the  point  of  being  inva- 
ded by  a  formidable  army  drawn  from  half  of  Europe  rushed  on 
his  mind,  and  filled  it  with  the  most  disagreeable  reflections. 

About  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  the  seven  fugitives  arrived  in 
the  neighborhood  ©f  the   Austrians''  advance  guard,  and  w.cre 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  333 

arrested,  and  after  being  detained  some  time,  sent  under  a  strong 
escort  to  the  Austrian  head-quarters,  and  at  length  to  Luxem- 
burg. Here  they  were  recognised  by  a  crowd  of  refugees,  who 
regarding  La  Fayette  as  one  of  the  first  promoters  of  the  revo- 
lution, treated  him  and  his  companions  with  the  greatest  inso- 
lence and  contempt.  Being  placed  in  rigorous  confinement, 
they  wrote  to  the  Duke  of  Saxe  Teschen  for  passports,  which 
was  answered  by  a  savage  threat  of  a  public  execution.  The 
governor  of  Luxemburg  having  received  orders  to  deliver  his 
prisoners  into  the  hands  of  the  king  of  Prussia,  they  were  trans- 
ported into  a  common  cart  like  criminals,  guarded  by  a  strong 
escort,  to  Wesel.  During  the  nights  when  it  was  necessary  to 
stop,  they  were  confined  in  the  common  jails  of  the  country. 
At  Wesel,  after  being  insulted  by  the  populace  and  treated  like 
brutes,  they  were  put  in  irons,  and  confined  in  separate  cells  in 
the  castle,  being  denied  all  intercourse  with  each  other.  They 
were  daily  told  that  "  the  king  intended  to  have  them  hanged 
for  wretches  who  deserved  no  favor/' 

From  the  severity  of  his  treatment,  and  his  excessive  appre- 
hensions on  account  of  his  wife  and  children,  La  Fayette  fell 
sick;  and  whilst  recovering,  but  yet  in  a  languishing  state,  the 
king  had  the  baseness  to  offer  him  his  liberty  on  condition  that 
he  would  betray  his  country ;  and  the  decided  refusal  he  received, 
was  followed  by  a  more  rigorous  confinement  and  harsher 
treatment,  and  all  information  as  to  their  families  was  denied 
them.  From  this  place  they  were  transported  in  a  cart  like 
convicts  to  Magdeburg;  it  was  expected  that  this  treatment 
would  excite  public  scorn  and  detestation;  but  their  tyrants 
were  mistaken,  for  a  lively  sympathy  and  interest  was  every 
where  manifested  in  their  behalf.  Here  they  were  confined  one 
year  in  a  damp  and  subterraneous  dungeon;  but  were  permitted 
to  remain  together.  From  Magdeburg,  with  the  exception  of 
Alexandre  Lameth,  they  were  all  conveyed  to  Silesia,  and  were 
confined  in  an  unhealthy  and  loathsome  dungeon  at  Neisse. 

On  making  peace  with  France,  the  king  of  Prussia,  fearing 
that  he  might  be  required  to  give  up  his  prisoners,  had  them 
convoyed  to  Austria,  where  thev  were  confined  more  than  four 


.534  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

years  at  Oimuiz,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north  cT 
Vienna,  and  near  Silesia.  Here  they  were  stripped  of  what 
Jittle  the  Prussians  had  left,  and  among  the  articles  were  two 
books  whose  liberal  sentiments  did  not  accord  with  the  despotic 
principles  of  the  government,  so  that  La  Fayette  inquired, 
"whether  they  were  seized  as  contraband."  They  were  incar- 
cerated in  separate  cells,  and  informed  that  they  would  never 
again  see  the  light  of  the  sun  or  hear  a  human  voice;  that  their 
very  names  were  to  be  annihilated,  and  that  in  future  they  would 
be  designated  in  all  despatclues  of  the  government,  by  the  number 
of  their  respective  cells.  The  prison  walls  were  twelve  feet 
thick;  the  cells  were  eight  or  ten  paces  deep,  and  six  or  eight 
wide;  the  light  was  let  in  through  an  opening  two  feet  square, 
secured  by  massive  iron  bars  transversely  placed ;  before  the 
loop-holes  of  the  prison  was  a  broad  ditch  filled  with  stagnant 
water,  which  emitted  a  noxious  effluvia,  and  beyond  were  the 
outer  walls  of  the  castle,  which  prevented  the  slightest  breeze 
from  passing  to  the  grated  windows  of  these  miserable  dungeons. 
When  it  rained,  the  water  found  its  way  into  the  prison  through 
the  loop-holes  and  off  the  walls,so  that  the  prisoners  often  waked 
in  the  morning  wet  to  the  skin.  A  quantity  of  rotten  straw 
formed  their  bed,  which,  with  a  broken  chair  and  an  old  worm 
eaten  table,  constituted  the  furniture  of  each  apartment.  A 
dim  lamp  glimmered  in  each  cell  at  night,  and  very  little  light 
was  introduced  during  the  day,  even  when  the  sun  shined,  but 
when  cloudy,  which  was  very  common  in  that  wet  country,  it 
was  total  darkness.  Such  was  the  situation  for  years,  of  one  of 
the  most  illustrious  men  of  the  ago; 


(  535 ) 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Sentiments  which  his  unjust  imprisonment  produced — Exertions  of  Washington 
lor  his  liberation — in  the  House  of  Commons — Attempt  of  Bollman  to  effect 
Uis  escape — is  favored  in  his  efforts  by  Huger — They  succeed  in  effecting  his 
escape — Are  all  arrested  and  confined  in  prison — La  Fayette  is  put  in  irons, 
and  receives  the  most  severe  treatment — He  is  joined  by  his  wife  and  two 
daughters,  who  share  his  imprisonment — they  are  discharged  and  return  to 
Holstein — they  return  to  France — His  interview  with  the  First  Consul — Pro- 
tests against  his  appointment  of  consul  for  life,  and  writes  him  a  letter — Thfc 
ends  the  connexion  between  him  and  Napoleon. 

The  imprisonment  and  suffering  of  La  Fayette  excited  the 
most  lively  interest  with  the  friends  of  liberty  and  humanity 
throughout  Europe  and  America;  here,  particularly,  the  deepest 
sympathy  was  manifested  in  his  behalf.  As  was  natural  to  have 
been  supposed,  no  one  was  more  sensibly  affected  at  the  misfor- 
tunes of  La  Fayette  than  his  friend  Washington,  at  this  time 
president  of  the  United  States.  From  the  hostility  both  of  the/ 
government  of  France  and  the  coalesced  sovereigns  to  La  Fay- 
ette, it  was  a  delicate  matter  for  Washington  to  interfere  offiJ 
cially  in  his  behalf,  and  at  the  same  time,  very  evident  that  thty 
course  was  »ot  the  most  likely  to  be  successful;  and  on  the  othet 
hand,  it  might  have  exposed  him  to  severer  treatment.-j- 
Washington,  however,  was  not  unmindful  of  the  situation  of  his 
personal  friend,  and  the  friend  of  America;  he  instructed  owi 
minister  at  St.  James's,  and  those  at  the  other  foreign  courts,  to 
interest  themselves  in  his  behalf,  and  to  make  known  the  interest 
felt  by  the  government  of  the  United  States  in  his  fate.  He 
also  sent  a  messenger  to  Berlin,  to  solicit  his  release,  but  he  Aid 
not  arrive  until  La  Fayette  had  been  delivered  over  to  f.hc 
Austrian  government.  AH  his  efforts  having  failed,  Washington 
addressed  the  subjoined  unofficial  letter,  containing  the  most 
noble  sentiments,  directly  to  the  emperor  of  Austria. 

"  It  will  readily  occur  to  your  majesty,  that  occasions  may 
sometimes  exist,  on  which  official  considerations  would  constrain 
the  chief  of  a  nation  to  be  silent  and  passive,  in  relation  even 
-to  objects  which  affect  his  sensibility,  and  claim  his  interposition 
as  a  man.     Finding  myself  precisely  in  this  situation  at  present. 


536  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

I  take  the  liberty  of  writing  this  private  letter  to  jour  majesty, 
being  persuaded  that  my  motives  will  also  be  my  apology 
for  it. 

u  In  common  with  the  people  of  this  country,  I  retain  a  strong 
and  cordial  sense  of  the  services  rendered  to  them  by  the 
Marquis  de  La  Fayette;  and  my  friendship  for  him  has  been 
constant  and  sincere.  It  is  natural,  therefore,  that  I  should 
sympathize  with  him  and  his  family  in  their  misfortunes;  and 
endeavor  to  mitigate  the  calamities  they  experience,  among 
which  his  present  confinement  is  not  the  least  distressing. 

"  I  forbear  to  enlarge  on  this  delicate  subject.  Permit  me 
only  to  submit  to  your  majesty's  consideration,  whether  his  long 
imprisonment  and  the  confiscation  of  his  estate,  and  the  indigence 
and  dispersion  of  his  family,  and  the  painful  anxieties  incident 
to  all  these  circumstances,  do  not  form  an  assemblage  of  sufferings 
which  recommend  him  to  the  mediation  of  humanity?  Allow 
me,  Sir,  on  this  occasion  to  be  its  organ;  and  to  entreat  that  he 
may  be  permitted  to  come  to  this  country,  on  such  conditions  as 
your  majesty  may  think  it  expedient  to  prescribe. 

u  As  it  is  a  maxim  with  me  not  to  ask  what,  under  similar 
circumstances,  I  would  not  grant,  your  majesty  will  do  me  the 
ustice  to  believe  that  this  request  appears  to  me  to  correspond 
mth  those  great  principles  of  magnanimity  and  wisdom,  which 
form  the  basis  of  sound  policy  and  durable  glory." 

This  appeal  to  the  magnanimity  and  humanity  of  the  emperor 
waf  in  vain;  these  sentiments  are  not  often  found  in  the  bosoms 
of  kings,  and  where  they  do  exist,  they  are  suppressed  by 
"reasons  of  state." 

The  subject  of  the  cruel  imprisonment  of  La  Fayette,  equally 
in  violation  of  the  laws  of  nations  and  the  dictates  of  humanity, 
was  brought  before  the  house  of  commons  in  Great  Britain. — 
General  Fitzpatrick,  on  the  lGth  December,  1796,  moved  for 
an  address  to  his  majesty,  stating  that  the  detention  of  La  Fayette 
and  others,  by  order  of  the  king  of  Prussia  and  emperor  of 
Austria,  was  dishonorable  to  the  cause  of  the  allies,  and  praying 
him  to  interfere  for  their  release.  The  motion  called  forth  a 
most  a-nimated  and  spirited  debate;  it  was  ably  and  eloquently 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  337 

supported  by  the  mover,  Mr.  Fox;  and  other  members  of  the 
opposition;  and  was  opposed  by  the  chancellor  of  the  exchequer, 
and  other  ministerial  members.  The  motion  afforded  a  striking 
illustration  of  the  inconsistency  of  conduct  or  waywardness  of 
fortune  in  two  individuals.  Among  the  supporters  of  the  motion 
was  Colonel  Tarlton,  then  a  member  of  parliament,  and  who 
had  been  opposed  to  La  Fayette  in  America,  in  the  campaign  of 
1781,  and  at  that  time  so  obnoxious  to  all  the  friends  of  liberty 
in  the  United  States,  and  the  friends  of  La  Fayette.  He  dis- 
played much  zeal  in  supporting  the  motion  in  favour  of  his 
former  military  opponent,  and  did  great  justice  to  his  character 
and  merits.  While  Tarleton,  who  had  been  so  active  in  support- 
ing the  oppressive  plans  of  the  British  government  for  enslaving 
America,  was  advocating  the  cause  of  La  Fayette,  who  was  a 
champion  in  her  struggle  for  liberty,  Edmund  Burke,  who  during 
the  American  war,  was  the  fearless  advocate  of  the  rights  and 
liberty  of  the  Americans,  was  now  the  most  violent  opposer  of 
this  early  and  steadfast  friend  of  America  and  of  liberty.  He 
was  very  severe  in  his  remarks,  and  charged  La  Fayette  with 
being  the  first  mover  and  author  of  all  the  evils  which  had  afflic- 
ted France,  and  of  the  general  war  in  Europe. 

In  Germany  also,  the  liberal  and  enlightened,  the  friends  of 
justice,  liberty,  and  humanity,  manifested  great  admiration  of  the 
patriot  and  hero  of  two  revolutions,  in  both  of  which  he  had 
been  the  champion  of  liberty  and  of  the  rights  of  mankind,  and 
an  honorable  sympathy  for  his  cruel  sufferings.  Many  of  the 
public  journals  had  sufficient  independence  to  openly  advocate 
his  cause,  and  to  condemn  the  conduct  of  his  persecutors. — 
Among  his  greatest  admirers  was  Henry  Bollman,  a  young 
physician  of  Gottingen,  who  was  so  affected  by  the  barbarous 
treatment  which  he  experienced,  that  he  determined  to  attempt 
his  liberation  at  the  hazard  of  his  own  life.  In  the  beginning 
of  the  year  1794,  he  sold  his  library  to  raise  funds  for  his  journey, 
and  set  out  on  foot  for  Hamburg.  Here  he  became  acquainted 
with  Mr.  Sievsking,  a  most  liberal  and  benevolent  man,  and  a 
great  admirer  of  La  Fayette;  he  undertook  to  assist  Bollman  in 
his  enterprise,  and  gave  him  a  letter  of  introduction,  and  also 

6-8 


538  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

a  letter  of  credit  for  10,000  florins  on   Hirsch,  a  banker  at 
Olmulz. 

Bollman,  having  by  his  conduct  excited  suspicions  among  the 
police,  he  was  advised  by  Hirsch  to  leave  Olmutz,  and  go  to 
Vienna  for  the  present.  Here  he  became  acquainted  with 
Francis  Huger,  an  American,  son  of  Colonel  Huger  of  Charles- 
ton, South  Carolina,  who  was  the  first  man  that  received  La 
Fayette  on  his  arrival  in  the  United  States,  in  1777.  Young 
Huger  was  active,  generous,  and  brave;  and  the  admiration 
which  every  American  feels  for  La  Fayette,  in  him  was  increased 
from  the  circumstance  of  his  being  the  personal  friend  of  his 
father.  These  circumstances  induced  Bollman  to  confide  hii 
intentions  to  Huger,  and  to  solicit  his  assistance.  The  proposi- 
tion was  assented  to  with  enthusiam  by  the  young  American,  who 
declared  that  his  purse  and  his  blood  should  be  devoted  to  so 
honourable  and  meritorious  an  enterprise.  They  left  Vienna 
with  a  faithful  servant,  all  on  horseback,  and  traversed  the  sur- 
rounding country,  under  the  pretence  that  Huger,  being  unwell, 
was  travelling  for  his  health  with  his  physician.  They  examined 
the  roads  in  various  directions,  and  particularly  the  great  road 
leading  from  Olmutz  to  Trappau. 

The  illustrious  prisonerwas  guarded  with  the  greatest  possible 
strictness — how  then  could  they  communicate  with  him?  This 
was  a  difficult  point;  but  by  means  of  the  banker  and  one  thou- 
sand florins,  they  engaged  in  their  interest  the  head  surgeon  of 
the  garrison  through  whose  assistance  they  opened  a  communi- 
cation with  La  Fayette.  The  surgeon  asked  permission  to 
make  a  medical  visit  to  the  prisoners,  and  in  that  way  conveyed 
to  La  Fayette  a  note,  which  informed  him  that  several  of  his 
friends  had  arrived  with  the  intention  of  effecting  his  escape, 
and  advising  him  to  feign  indisposition,  and  to  request  the  jailer 
that  he  might  have  the  assistance  of  a  medica '  gentleman.  This 
note  was  the  first  La  Fayette  had  received  since  he  had  been 
at  Olmutz,  and  was  read  with  great  eagerness;  he  wrote  an 
answer  on  the  back  with  his  blood,  and  returned  it  through  the 
hand  of  the  doctor. 

After  the  feigned  sickness  of  La  Fayette  had  continued  for 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  539 

some  time,  his  physician  represented  to  the  governor  of  Olmutz, 
that  it  was  necessary  to  his  recovery,  that  he  should  ride  without 
the  walls  of  the  place,  in  an  open  carriage,  to  take  the  fresh  air. 
This  advice  was  reduced  to  writing,  and  the  reasons  for  it 
assigned;  and  the  intendant  made  a  certificate  in  confirmation 
of  this  statement.  These  documents  being  sent  to  Vienna,  the 
desired  permission  was  obtained,  accompanied  with  the  injunc- 
tion that  the  governor  should  always  accompany  the  prisoner  in 
person,  and  a  strong  guard  to  prevent  his  escape.  For  several 
weeks  La  Fayette  daily  rode  out  with  the  governor,  and  by  his 
prepossessing  manners  succeeded  in  attaching  the  governor  very 
much  to  him. 

The  plan  being  matured  and  the  arragements  completed,  the 
27th  of  October  was  fixed  on,  as  the  day  for  carrying  into  execu- 
tion their  bold  enterprise.     Bollman  and  Huger  mounted  their 
horses  at  the  hour  the  governor  and  his  prisoner  were  to  take 
their  accustomed  ride,  and  not  either  of  them  being  known  to 
La  Fayette,  as  the  carriage  passed  them,  whilst  riding  very  slow, 
they  took  out  a  white  handkerchief,  which  was  a  signal  agreed 
upon,  and  La  Fayette  did  the  same.     When  the  carriage  had 
arrived  at  the  place  designated,  the  general  made  some  pretence 
for  advancing  some  distance  beyond  the  governor;  at  the  same 
moment,  Bollman  and  Huger  spurred  their  horses  forward,  and 
as  they  came  up  with  La  Fayette,  Huger  sprang  off  to  assist 
him  to  mount  behind  Bollman;  but  before  this  was  effected,  the 
governor,  notwithstanding  his  age  and  infirmities,  came  up  and 
seized  the  general  by  the  arm  as  he  was  mounting,  and  one 
of  the  guards   approached  and   seized  him  behind.       Huger 
seizing  the  guard  by  the  hair,  threw  him  on  the  ground,  and  told 
La  Fayette  to  make  his  escape  with  Bollman.     But  before  he 
could  do  this,  he  had  a  severe  struggle  with  the  guard  and  the 
old  governor;  in  attempting  to  thrust  his  handkerchief  into  the 
mouth  of  the  former  to  stifle  his  cries  for  help,  the  general  had 
two  fingers  severely  bit,  and  in  extricating  them,  the  skin  and 
flesh  was  torn  away  and  left  in  the  mouth  of  the  guard.     In  the 
scuffle  which  ensued,  Huger's  horse  took  fright  and  fled  into  the 
fields.     The  general  having  cleared  himself,  was  coming  to  the 


540  L^IARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

assistance  of  Huger,  but  was  entreated  by  the  latter,  to  mounf 
instantly  behind  Bollman  and  fly,  and  that  he  would  take  care 
of  himself.  The  general  having  mounted,  Bollman  rode  off  at 
full  speed.  Huger  made  his  escape  into  a  thicket,  but  was  soon 
pursued  and  taken  by  a  peasant,  being  much  exhausted;  his 
hands  were  tied  and  he  was  taken  back  to  town,  where  he  was 
immediately  put  in  irons  and  thrown  into  prison. 

Bollman  and  the  general  had  not  gone  three  miles  before  they 
heard  the  report  of  the  alarm-guns  of  the  fortress.  The  police 
in  Austria  is  so  strict,  that  when  a  prisoner  escapes,  or  a  soldier 
deserts,  three  alarm-guns  are  fired,  which  is  the  signal  for  the 
mayors  and  municipal  officers  of  the  neighboring  towns,  as  far 
as  the  report  is  heard,  to  close  the  town  gates,  and  cause  the 
alarm-bells  to  be  rung,  which  are  heard  from  one  village  to 
another,  by  which  means  the  alarm  is  spread  to  the  distance  of  • 
fifty  or  sixty  miles.  The  cavalry  is  despatched  in  pursuit,  and 
all  the  inhabitants,  who  are  organized  into  a  kind  of  militia,  are 
obliged  on  heavy  penalties  to  meet  at  appointed  places,  where 
they  receive  arms  and  instructions.  By  these  means,  the  alarm, 
and  intelligence  of  the  escape  of  a  prisoner,  had  been  spread  to 
a  great  distance.  Notwithstanding  these  measures,  La  Fayette 
and  Bollman  proceeded  safely  eleven  miles:  here  Bollman  was 
at  a  loss  which  road  to  take ;  after  some  hesitation  he  took  the 
wrong  one,  which  was  uneven  and  rough;  the  horse  being  fa- 
tigued, stumbled  and  threw  both  of  them  off,  several  times,  at 
one  of  which  La  Fayette  received  a  severe  contusion;  it  was 
extremely  dark,  and  they  had  advanced  about  three  miles  on  the 
road  they  were  travelling,  when  Bollman  being  satisfied  they 
were  wrong,  they  concluded  to  return;  at  this  time  a  patrolling 
party  came  up  and  took  them  into  custody,  without,  however, 
knowing  who  they  were.  They  were  confined  in  a  barn,  with 
a  guard  that  night,  and  the  next  morning  were  taken  before  the 
mayor  of  Braunseifer.  Perceiving  that  there  was  no  other  re- 
source, Bollman  informed  the  mayor  that  his  companion  was  the 
great  and  good  La  Fayette,  whom  he  had  assisted  to  escape,  and 
entreated  him  to  save  the  general,  offering  him  all  the  gold  he 
bad  about  him,  besides  bills  of  exchange  to  the  amount  of  20,000 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  541 

florins,  and  telling  him,  that  La  Fayette  would  promise  him  one 
hundred  thousand  more,  if  he  desired  them:  and  added,  that  he 
had  brought  La  Fayette  into  that  situation,  and  ought  to  be  re- 
sponsible for  its  consequences,  and  that  he  would  remain  a  pri- 
soner. Mr.  Richter,  the  mayor,  was  a  benevolent  man,  and  had 
great  veneration  for  La  Fayette,  but  dared  not  assume  the  re- 
sponsibility of  permitting  him  to  escape.  Soon  the  aid-de-camp 
of  the  governor  arrived,  with  orders  for  the  prisoners  to  be  con- 
ducted back  to  Olmutz,  and  both  were  thrown  into  prison. 

La  Fayette  was  put  in  irons,  and  subjected  to  the  most  rigor- 
ous confinement,  the  most  severe  suffering.  No  light  was  admit- 
ted into  his  cell,  shackles  were  placed  on  his  feet,  and  an  iron 
round  his  waist,  to  which  a  chain  was  fastened  and  secured  to 
the  wall,  with  sufficient  length  barely  to  permit  him  to  turn  from 
one  side  to  the  other;  his  bed  consisted  of  a  little  damp  and 
mouldy  straw.  He  had  suffered  severely  from  fatigue  and  the 
bruises  he  had  received  in  attempting  to  escape,  which,  with  the 
unspeakable  anxiety  and  anguish  he  felt  on  finding  himself  again 
in  the  hands  of  his  tormentors,  brought  on  a  violent  fever.  The 
winter  was  severe,  but  his  jailors  did  not  relax  the  severity  of 
his  treatment,  but  increased  his  sufferings  as  his  constitution 
seemed  to  sink  under  them,  so  that  it  appeared  as  if  it  was  their 
object  to  put  an  end  to  the  existence  of  their  victim.  He  was 
emaciated  almost  to  a  skeleton,  and  the  hair  fell  frcm  his  head. 
His  mind  was,  at  the  same  time,  filled  with  anxiety,  and  the 
deepest  concern  for  the  fate  of  his  wife  and  children,  of  whom 
he  had  obtained  no  other  information  but  that  they  had  been 
confined  in  the  prisons  of  Paris.  .To  fill  the  measure  of  his  af- 
flictions, his  inhuman  jailers  informed  him  that  his  generous 
friends,  Bollman  and  Huger,  were  soon  to  be  brought  to  a  public 
execution,  and  expiate  their  enormous  crime  on  the  scaffold. 
In  this  state  of  rigorous  confinement  and  suffering  he  remained 
for  several  months,  when,  from  the  influence  of  his  friends,  the 
Jewish  banker  and  the  chief  surgeon,  who  had  not  been  sus- 
pected of  aiding  in  his  escape,  his  irons  were  taken  off,  and  he 
was  permitted  to  walk  before  the  front  of  the  prison,  attended 
by  a  strong  guard,  but  no  one  was  allowed  to  speak  to  him. 


.">42  JMARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

Bollman  and  Huger  suffered  a  cruel  imprisonment  for  their 
patriotic  attempt  to  rescue  La  Fayette,  in  the  same  building  with 
him ;  but  each  were  confined  in  a  separate  cell,  and  they  were 
not  permitted  to  have  any  communication  with  each  other:  they 
however  devised  and  practised  several  ingenious  modes  of  com- 
municating with  each  other,  which  afforded  them  much  satisfac- 
tion, and  escaped  the  scrutiny  of  their  jailers.  At  length  Boll- 
man  and  Huger  were  brought  to  trial,  and  were  first  sentenced 
to  imprisonment  for  life;  which  was  commuted  to  a  term  of 
years,  and  finally  they  were  offered  their  liberty  on  the  payment 
of  a  large  sum  of  money  to  the  government,  which,  by  the  help 
of  friends,  they  raised,  and  were  accordingly  released. 

The  fate  of  Madame  La  Fayette  does  not  less  demand  our 
sympathies,  or  even  admiration,  than  that  of  her  illustrious  hus- 
band. On  the  flight  of  La  Fayette,  she  and  her  two  daughters, 
one  fifteen  and  the  other  twelve,  were  seized  and  cast  into  pri- 
son at  Paris.  The  family  estate  was  confiscated,  and  most  of 
the  political  and  personal  friends  of  her  husband  were  crushed 
by  the  Mountain,*  and  fell  under  the  stroke  of  the  guillotine. 
For  twenty  months,  she  and  her  daughters  suffered  this  degra- 
ding imprisonment:  during  a  reign  of  anarchy  and*  terror,  daily 
hearing  of  the  death  of  her  friends,  anxious  about  her  own  fate, 
and  still  more  about  her  husband's.  She  bore  her  severe  and 
complicated  distresses,  with  great  firmness  and  fortitude:  repo- 
sing when  all  earthly  succour  seemed  to  have  failed,  on  Divine 
Providence,  she  was  often  found  in  a  retired  part  of  her  prison, 
with  uplifted  hands  and  holy  supplications  to  that  Being  who 
holds  in  his  hands  the  destinies  of  man.  When  she  was  libera- 
ted, from  the  feeble  state  of  her  health,  she  was  advised  by  her 
physicians  to  seek  repose  in  some  retired  part  of  the  country ;  but 
in  opposition  to  this  advice,  and  the  entreaties  of  her  friends,  she 
resolved  to  repair  to  Olmutz,  and  if  she  could  not  procure  the 
liberation  of  her  husband,  to  share  in  his  imprisonment.  She 
went  first  to  Vienna,  and  through  the  influence  and  assistance 
of  two  noble  females,   obtained   an  audience  with  the  Em 

*  The  violent  party  was  called  the  Mountain  Party. 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  643 

percr.  His  majesty  received  her  graciously,  and  expressed  a 
personal  desire  that  her  husband  should  be  set  at  liberty ;  but 
said  the  subject  was  too  complicated  for  him  to  interfere  with  it, 
and  that  he  could  not  do  it,  consistent  with  his  political  engage- 
ments with  other  powers.  He  was  graciously  pleased,  however, 
to  permit  her  to  visit  her  husband,  and  share  in  his  captivity. 
This,  with  her  two  daughters,  she  immediately  did,  whose  pre- 
sence spread  a  ray  of  light  in  the  gloom  of  the  dungeon,  and 
rendered  the  most  cruel  imprisonment  tolerable.  It  is  impossible 
even  to  conceive  of  the  joy  which  La  Fayette  experienced  on 
receiving  his  beloved  wife  and  daughters,  or  the  consolation 
which  she  administered  to  him  in  his  affliction!  Of  women  it 
is  truly  said — 

"When  pain  and  sickness  cloud  the  brow 

A  ministering  angel  thou!" 

And  of  no  one  could  this  be  more  true  than  of  Madame  La  Fay- 
ette, who  was  one  of  the  best  and  most  sensible  of  women.  For 
nearly  two  years  she  and  her  two  daughters  remained  in  prison. 
At  one  time,  her  health  being  much  impaired,  she  asked  permis- 
sion to  visit  Vienna  for  a  week:  and  was  informed  that  her  re- 
quest would  be  granted,  provided  she  would  consent  never  to 
enter  the  prison  again,  and  to  have  her  daughters  confined  in  a 
separate  apartment  from  their  father.  The  base  offer  was  de- 
clined with  becoming  spirit,  in  a  letter  which  concludes  with 
the  following  dignified  language:  "Whatever  may  be  the  state 
of  my  own  health,  and  the  inconvenience  attending  the  stay  of 
my  daughters  in  this  place,  we  will  most  gratefully  take  advan- 
tage of  the  goodness  his  imperial  majesty  has  expressed  towards 
us,  by  permission  to  share  in  the  miseries  of  this  captivity. 

La  Fayette,  his  wife,  and 'daughters,  and  his  two  friends, 
were  all  discharged  on  the  25th  of  August,  1797,  for  which 
they  were  indebted  to  General  Bonaparte.  The  victorious 
general  peremptorily  insisted  on  the  liberation  of  the  prisoners 
of  Olmutz,  as  a  preliminary  condition  to  peace.  He  inquired 
if  the  prisoners  at  Olmutz  were  free,  and  as  the  ambassadors 
hesitated  in  a  reply,  he  observed,  with  great  warmth, — "Gentle- 
men, you  may  take  my  word  for  it,  that  if  these  prisoners  are 


544  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

not  instantly  set  free,  I  sign  no  treaty  of  peace  with  his  imperial 
majesty."  He  was  obliged,  however,  to  despatch  one  of  his 
aids  to  Vienna  to  demand  of  the  emperor  himself  the  liberation 
of  his  prisoners,  which  was  accompanied  with  a  threat,  that  if 
it  was  not  immediately  done,  lie  would  march  to  the  capital  and 
throw  open  the  prison  doors  himself.  Such  was  the  reluc- 
tance of  the  emperor  to  give  up  his  victims;  but  he  was  obliged 
to  yield  to  the  conquerer:  the  prisoners  were  discharged,  and 
soon  after,  the  celebrated  treaty  of  Campo  Formio  was  con- 
cluded. 

The  emperor  prescribed  several  conditions  to  the  liberation 
of  La  Fayette,  one  of  which  was,  that  he  should  leave  Europe 
immediately  for  America ;  and  another  that  he  should  never  set 
his  foot  on  the  Austrian  territory  without  special  permission,  as 
his  principles  were  dangerous  to  the  Austrian  government.  The 
general  replied,  that  although  it  was  his  wish  and  intention  to  go 
to  America,  yet  he  could  not  consent  to  such  a  condition,  as  that 
would  be  recognising  the  right  of  his  majesty  to  impose  it;  and 
as  to  his  never  entering  the  Austrian  dominions,  he  owed  certain 
obligations,  both  to  France  and  America,  of  which  he  could  not 
divest  himself,  and  he  should  enter  into  no  engagements  which 
might  interfere  with  the  rights  of  his  native  or  adopted  country 
to  his  personal  services.  With  these  exceptions,  he  would  assure 
his  majesty  that  it  was  his  determination  never  again  to  set  his 
foot  on  the  territory  of  the  emperor. 

L#  Fayette,  with  his  family  and  his  two  friends,  who  had  been 
his  fellow-sutferers,  after  being  liberated,  proceeded  to  the  neutral 
city  of  Hamburg,  where  they  were  received  and  treated  with 
great  attention  by  a  number  of  distinguished  Americans  and 
the  French  minister,  who  gave  them  a  public  entertainment. 
Here  they  put  on  the  tri-coloured  cockade,  to  show  that  they 
were  not  emigrants,  but  friends  to  their  country  and  the  principles 
of  '89.  After  a  few  days  stay  they  accepted  the  invitation  of  a 
Hanoverian  nobleman,  and  spent  some  time  at  his  chateau  in 
Holstein.  Previous  to  this,  they  were  joined  by  George  Wash- 
ington La  Fayette,  who  had  arrived  from  America,  where  he 
had  spent  considerable  time  at  Mount  Vernon.     This  rendered 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  345 

the  family  complete,  and  consummated  their  happiness.     At  the 
mansion  of  his  noble  friend,  the  general's  eldest  daughter,  An- 
astatia,  was  married  to  Latour  Maubourg,  brother  of  the  pri-, 
soner  of  that  name,  who  had  been  one  of  La  Fayette's  aids-de- 
camp.    The  celebration  was  in  a  plain  and  simple  style,  which 
best  accorded  with  the  truly  republican  ideas  of  La  Fayette. 
George  Washington  La  Fayette,  in  1795,  went  to  the  United 
States.     He  landed  at  Boston,  and  immediately  wrote  to  Wash- 
ington, then  president,  acquainting  him  with  his  situation,  and 
requesting  his  advice,  as  the  friend  of  his  father.     General  La 
Fayette  then  being  proscribed  by  the  government  of  France, 
and  as  an  unfriendly  disposition  had  already  been  manifested 
by  the  directory  towards  the  United  States,  the  president  felt 
constrained  to  decline  interfering  officially  in  behalf  of  the  son 
of  the  illustrious   friend  of  America.     He  however  wrote  a 
private  letter  to  the  Honorable  George  Cabot,  requesting  him 
to  acquaint  young  La  Fayette  with  the  reasons  why  he  could 
not  officially  interfere  in  his  behalf,  and  at  the  same  time  to  as- 
sure him  that  he  might  consider  him  as  a  father,  and  rely  on  his 
protection  and  assistance.     He  also  advised  to  have  him  enter 
the  university  at  Cambridge,  and  told  Mr.  C.  that  he  would 
see  the  expenses  paid.     But  young  Fayette  did  not  avail  him- 
self of  this  offer,  as  the  private  tutor,  who  had  accompanied 
him,  wished  to  have  him  under  his  sole  instruction. 

General  La  Fayette  and  his  family,  including  his  son-in-law, 
went  from  the  house  of  his  Hanoverian  friend  to  the  chateau 
of  the  Count  de  Tesse,  one  of  the  French  emigrants,  and  who 
had  married  the  sister  of  Madame  La  Fayette's  mother.  Being 
unable  to  return  to  his  country,  he  remained  in  this  retreat,  in 
the  mansion  of  his  uncle,  for  a  considerable  time,  and  amused 
himself  with  studying  the  agriculture  of  the  country,  particu- 
larly the  raising  of  merino  sheep,  in  which  the  inhabitants  of 
Holstein  excel,  and  to  which  afterward  he  very  successfuly 
turned  his  attention  at  La  Grange. 

In  this  situation,  La  Fayette  remained,  happy  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  his  family  and  friends,  until  the  revolution  of  the  18th 
■of  Bjrunaaire,  (Nov.  10,  1799,)  which  established  the  consufetr 
69 


546  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTt 

•onstitution,  and  placed  Napoleon  Bonaparte  at  the  head  of 
the  government.  Among  the  first  acts  of  the  new  government, 
was  a  proclamation,  inviting  all  emigrants  and  other  French 
citizens,  to  return,  and  assuring  them  of  protection.  La  Fay- 
ette and  his  family  immediately  returned  to  France,  after  an 
absence  of  nearly  eight  years,  and  with  his  son-in-law  Mau- 
bourg,  soon  after  visited  Paris. 

The  first  Consul,  to  give  splendor  and  support  to  the  new 
government,  intended  to  draw  around  hrm  all  who  had  been 
distinguished  in  the  held  or  in  the  cabinet,  during  the  revolu- 
tion, and  among  the  rest  General  La  Fayette  was  invited  to 
the  Thuilleries.     La  Fayette  admired  the  youthful  genius  of 
Bonaparte,  and  the  astonishing  victories  he  had  achieved,  which 
had  saved  France,  and  cast  a  lustre  on  the  French  name;  he 
also  felt  grateful  to  him  for  the  services  rendered  to  himself. 
An  interview  took  place  between  these  two  distinguished  char- 
acters, which  convinced  Bonaparte  that  the  patriot  of  two  revo- 
lutions was  too  inflexible  in  his  principles  to  become  an  instru- 
ment of  his  ambition.     He  did  not,  however,  immediately  relin- 
quish his  design  of  availing  himself  of  the  name  and  reputation  of 
La  Fayette,  by  inducing  him  to  take  a  part  in  the  new  government. 
He  retained  him  in  the  office  of  general  of  division,  and  offered 
him  a  seat  in  his  conservative  senate.     To  this  office,  there  was 
a  salary  of  7000  dollars,  which  would  have  been  very  accepta- 
ble to  La  Fayette,  as  his  income  was  now  reduced  to  about  two 
thousand  dollars,  which  had  been  thirty   thousand  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  revolution.     But  being  satisfied  that  it  was 
the  intention  of  the  First  Consul  to  establish  a  military  gov- 
ernment, of  which  he  was  to  be  the  chief,  and  that  the  conser- 
vative senate,  and  the  constitution  itself,  were  only  empty  forms, 
intended  to  give  more  security  and  stability  to  the  power  of  Bo- 
naparte, La  Fayette  did  not  hesitate  to  decline  the  offer,  al- 
though strenuously  urged  to  accept  of  it  by  his  friends.     With 
this  office  would  have  been  connected  that  of  count  of  the  em 
pire.     He  preferred  to  remain  in  retirement,  and  forego  the  ad- 
vantages of  so  honorable  and  lucrative  a  station,  to  any  com- 
promise with  principle,  or  placing  himself  in  a  situation  which 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  54* 

might  cast  a  suspicion  on  his  political  integrity,  or  occasion  even 
a  doubt  as  to  the  sincerity  of  his  devotion  to  liberal  principles 
and  free  institutions.  Such  noble  and  disinterested  sentiments; 
such  political  consistency,  firmness  and  integrity,  if  not  wholly 
unparalleled,  was  without  any  example,  on  that  occasion  except 
the  case  of  the  celebrated  Carnot. 

The  first  Consul  did  not,  however,  entirely  abandon  the  idea 
of  obtaining  the  approbation,  if  not  the  support  of  La  Fayette  j 
and  previously  to  his  election  as  consul  for  life,  he  invited  him 
to  the  Thuilleries,  and  a  remarkable  interview  took  place  be- 
tween them.  Napoleon  ordered  every  one  to  retire,  and  com- 
mencing a  conversation  on  the  subject,  attempted  to  show  that  a 
permanent  magistracy  was  necessary  for  the  security  and  happi- 
ness of  France.  General  La  Fayette  boldlv  replied,  that  "be- 
fore venturing  on  such  a  step,  France  expects  of  you  a  guaran- 
tee of  her  liberties;  when  they  are  satisfied  on  this  score,  they 
will  comply  with  your  wishes  unasked."  In  conformity  to  the 
sentiments  disclosed  on  this  occasion,  his  vote  was  expressed  in 
the  following  words ; — "I  cannot  vote  for  such  a  magistracy, 
until  the  liberties  of  the  people  are  secured ;  in  that  case,  I  vote 
for  Napoleon  Bonaparte."  In  further  explanation  of  his  views 
and  motives,  he  addressed  to  the  First  Consul  the  following  noble 
and  independent  sentiments: 
"General, — 

"  When  a  man,  who  is  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the 
gratitude  he  owes  you,  and  who  is  too  ardent  a  lover  of  glory 
to  be  wholly  indifferent  to  yours,  connects  his  suffrage  with  con- 
ditional restrictions,  those  restrictions  not  only  secure  him  from 
suspicion,  but  prove  amply,  that  no  one  will,  more  gladly  than 
himself,  behold  in  you  the  chief  magistrate  for  life,  of  a  free  and 
independent  republic. 

"The  eighteenth  of  Brumaire  saved  France  from  destruction; 
and  I  felt  myself  reassured  and  recalled  by  the  liberal  declara- 
tions to  which  you  have  connected  the  sanction  of  your  honor. 
In  your  consular  authority,  there  was  afterward  discerned  that 
salutary  dictatorial  prerogative,  which,  under  the  auspices  of  a 
genius  like  yours,  accomplished  such  glorious  purposes;  yet,  less 


548  MAHQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE- 

glorious,  let  me  add,  than  the   restoration  of  liberty  woulcj 
proT  e.         , 

"  It  is  not  possible,  general,  that  you,  the  first  amidst  that  order 
of  mankind,  which  surveys  every  age  and  every  country,  before 
the  stations  of  its  members  in  the  scale  can  be  determined,  that 
you  can  desire  that  a  revolution,  marked  by  an  unexampled 
series  of  stupendous  victories  and  unheard  of  sufferings,  shall 
give  nothing  to  the  world  but  a  renovated  system  of  arbitrary 
government.  The  people  of  this  country  have  been  acquainted 
with  their  rights  too  long,  to  forget  them  forever;  but  perhaps 
they  may  recover  and  enjoy  them  better  now,  than  during  the 
period  of  revolutionary  effervescence.  And  you,  by  the  strength 
of  your  character,  and  the  influence  of  public  confidence,  by 
the  superiority  of  your  talents,  your  power,  and  your  fortunes, 
in  re-establisbing  the  liberties  of  France,  can  allay  all  agita- 
tions, calm  all  anxieties,  and  subdue  all  dangers. 

"When  I  wish,  then,  to  see  the  career  of  your  glory  crowned 
by  thetionors  of  perpetual  magistracy,  I  but  act  in  correspon- 
dence with  my  own  private  sentiments,  and  am  influenced  ex- 
clusively by  patriotic  considerations.  But  all  my  political  and 
moral  obligations,  the"  principles  that  have  governed  every  ac- 
tion of  my  life,  call  on  me  to  pause,  before  I  bestow  on  you  my 
suffrage,  until  I  feel  assured  that  your  authority  shall  be  erected 
on  a  basis  worthy  of  the  nation  and  yourself. 

"I  confidently  trust,  General,  that  you  will  recognise  here,  a? 
you  have  done  on  all  other  occasions,  a  steady  continuance  of 
my  political  opinions,  combined  with  the  sincerest  prayers  for 
your  welfare,  and  the  deepest  sense  of  all  my  obligations  to 
you." 

This  letter,  which  was  not  answered,  closed  all  intercourse 
between  Bonaparte  and  General  La  Fayette;  and  they  did  not 
see  each  other  until  after  the  wonderful  restoration  of  the  em- 
peror, in  June,  1815.  These  two  distinguished  individuals 
were  not  kindred  spirits,  or  in  any 'degree  assimilated  in  their 
characters;  and  their  objects  were  entirely  different.  One,  in- 
fluenced by  an  unbounded  ambition,  aimed  at  unlimited  power, 
Upt  so  much  for  his  own  aggranuizement  as  for  the  execution  oi 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE,  549 

great  and  magnificent  plans;  he  wished  to  concentrate  every 
thing  in  himself,  and  to  be  the  source  and  fountain  of  power, 
the  arbiter  of  the  destinies  of  France,  and  to  hold  in  his  own 
hands  the  guarantees  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  people. 
The  other  possessed  a  more  exalted,  rational,  and  philisophic 
ambition.  He  aspired  only  at  the  honorable  fame  and  distinc- 
tion of  rendering  the  most  important  services  to  the  human  race, 
and  from  the  most  disinterested  motives;  he  wished  to  be  the 
first  of  patriots,  and  the  first  of  heroes,  in  defence  of  the  rights 
and  liberties  of  the  people.  One  aimed  at  sovereignty  in  his 
own  person,  the  other  wished  to  establish  the  sovereignty  of  the 
people.  Their  principles  and  views  were  directly  opposite, 
although  both  were  opposed  to  the  reign  of  anarchy  and  vio- 
lence, and  were  for  giving  vigor  and  energy  to  the  laws  on 
which  the  security  of  personal  liberty  and  private  property  de- 
pends. 

After  the  event  which  we  have  noticed,  Bonaparte  mani- 
fested decided  hostility  to  La  Fayette,  and,  on  all  occasions, 
treated  him  with  the.  most  studied  neglect.  But  it  was  in  vain 
that  he  attempted  to  impair  the  respect  or  lessen  the  conse- 
quence of  the  veteran  patriot  of  two  revolutions;  the  constant, 
undeviating,  and  incorruptible  friend  of  liberty.  Not  the  eclat 
of  splendid  victories,  the  glory  of  conquest,  or  all  the  gorgeous 
pageantry  of  the  imperial  court,  could  cast  into  the  shade  the 
illustrious  name  of  La  Fayette,  although  a  private  citizen,  and 
living  in  retirement. 

The  hostility  of  Napoleon  was  not  confined  to  the  general, 
but  extended  \p  all  who  bore  the  name  (the  most  illustrious  in 
France)  of  La  Fayette ;  to  all  who  were  connected  with  the  fam- 
ily, and  even  the  particular  friends  of  the  Marquis.  Perhaps 
there  is  nothing  more  dishonorable  in  the  character  of  Bona- 
parte, than  his  treatment  of  the  La  Fayette  family.  George 
Washington  La  Fayette,  the  only  son  of  the  general,  was  a 
brave  and  excellent  officer;  he  was  general  of  division;  Gen. 
Grouchy  appointed  him  his  aid;  he  was  distinguished  on  many 
occasions,  and  particularly  at  the  battle  of  Eylau,  where  he 
saved  the  life  of  Grouchy  twice,  his  horse  being  killed  undet 


•N>U  \IA114UIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

him.  His  general  made  a  very  favorable  report  of  his  conduct,  and 
recommended  him  very  warmly  for  promotion;  yet  the  emperor 
instead  of  promoting  him,  struck  his  name  out  of  the  official 
bulletin.  But  notwithstanding  the  unworthy  treatment  he 
received,  he  continued  in  the  service,  from  the  commencement  of 
the  consular  government,  in  1800,  until  after  the  peace  of  Tilsit. 
It  was  attempted  at  one  time,  to  persuade  him  to  resign,  but  he 
nobly  replied  "that  so  long  as  his  country  was  involved  in  war, 
he  should  consider  himself  disgraced  by  a  resignation,  and  that 
he  should  be  ashamed  even  to  think  of  it,  while  all  his  compan- 
ions were  daily  exposing  themselves  to  dangers  of  every  sort."  It 
was  true  he  was  an  American  citizen,  but  he  was  first  of  all  a 
Frenchman,  and  a  loyal  Frenchman. 

Gen.  La  Fayette's  son-in-law,  De  Lasteyrie,  who  married 
his  second  daughter  Virginia,  was  also  a  meritorious  officer,  and 
was  treated  with  the  same  neglect  by  Bonaparte ,  and  this  was 
likewise  the  case  with  the  two  former  aids  of  General  La 
Fayette. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

He  remains  in  retirement  at  La  Grange— Situation  of  La  Grange — His  family 
and  descendants — fie  employs  himself  in  agricultural  pursuits — Loses  his 
wife — Napoleon,  after  his  return  from  Elba,  attempts  to  obtain  his  influence- 
He  protests  again«t  the  additonal  act — Is  elected  representative  to  the  cham- 
ber— His  speech  and  resolutions  after  the  defeat  of  the  Emperor — Is  one  of 
*ho  committee  who  attend  the  grand  council  of  ministers,  and  one  of  the 
commissioners  to  treat  with  the  allies — Capitulation  of  Paris — He  retires  to 
La  Grange — Is  elected  a  representative  after  the  restoration  of  the  Bourbons. 

After  the  appointment  of  Napoleon  consul  for  life,  from 
which  time  he  manifested  a  strong  dislike  to  La  Fayette,  who 
had  voted  against  his  election,  the  latter  lived  in  retirement  at 
his  estate  of  La  Grange,  situated  in  the  province  of  Brie,  forty 
miles  from  Paris,  engaged  in  the  pursuits  of  agriculture;  a  spec- 
tator of  political  events,  tranquil  and  happy,  in  the  midst  of  his 
numerous  and  interesting  family.  What  vicissitudes  in  the  life 
-  >f  an  individual!  and  how  extraordinary,  that  one  o{  the  most 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  551 

illustrious  men  of  the  age,  in  the  prime  of  life,  should  remain 
for  years  in  retirement  during  the  most  eventful  period  the  world 
has  ever  witnessed,  when  Europe  was  convulsed  to  its  centre, and 
which  embraced  two  mighty  revolutions,  affecting  the  whole 
continent:  one  the  establishment  of  anew  system  of  monarchy^ 
and  a  new  order  of  things,  by  the  Emperor  Napoleon ;  and  the 
other,  in  the  complete  over  throw  of  that  system,  and  the  re-es- 
tablishment of  the  old  regime  and  the  Bourbon  dynasty;  and 
that  individual,  the  first  and  principal  promoter  of  that  political 
revolution,  which,  in  its  progress,  had  led  to  these  momentous 
events,  and  at  one  time  possessed  of  an  unbounded  popularity, 
and  commander-in-chief  of  the   armies  of  France.     He  was 
not,  however,  an  unobservant  spectator  of  passing  events,  or 
indifferent  to  the  welfare  of  his  country;  but  whilst  that  country 
was  no  longer  free,  his  principles  and  his  honour  required  of  him 
to  remain  in  retirement.     With  him  the  post  of  honour  was  only 
to  be  found  in  a  private  station. 

"  La  Grange  is  situated  in  the  fertile  district  of  La  Brie 
forty  miles  from  Paris,  remote  from  any  common  road,  and  far 
distant  from  a  bustling  world.  In  the  midst  of  a  luxuriant, 
wilderness,  rising  above  prolific  orchards  and  antiquated  woods, 
appears  the  five  towers  of  La  Grange,  tinged  with  the  golden 
rays  of  the  declining  sun.  The  deep  moat,  the  draw-bridge, 
the  ivied  tower  and  arched  portals,  opening  into  a  large  square 
court,  has  a  feudal  and  picturesque  character;  and  the  associa- 
tions which  occur,  on  entering  the  residence  of  a  man  so  heroic* 
so  disinterested,  so  celebrated,  fill  the  mind  with  peculiar  admi 
ration,  and  excite  the  most  lively  interest.  The  family  party, 
partaking  more  of  patriarchal  than  of  courtly  manners,  is  com- 
posed of  individaals  mutually  attached,  and  anxious  only  for 
mutual  improvement  and  happiness.  It  represents  the  younger 
members,  as  employed  in  their  studies  or  engaged  in  innocent 
recreations  so  salutary  to  the  youthful  temper  and  constitution: 
and  the  older  as  occupied  in  useful  and  literary  pursuits,  or 
devoted  to  the  more  enlivening  pleasures  of  conversation. 

"  The  venerable  head  of  this  happy  family,  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
seven  is  in  the  full  possession  of  every  talent  and  faculty.     Hi- 


552  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

memory  has  all  the  tenacity  of  youthful  recollection.  On  hid 
person,  time  has  yet  made  little  visible  impression.  Not  a 
wrinkle  furrows  the  ample  brow;  and  his  unbent  and  noble 
fignre  is  still  as  upright,  bold,  and  vigorous,  as  the  mind  which 
informs  it.  Grace,  strength,  and  dignity  still  distinguish  the 
tine  person  of  this  extraordinary  man;  who,  though  more  than 
forty-years  before  the  world,  engaged  in  scenes  of  stnyige  and 
eventful  conflict,  does  not  yet  appear  to  have  reached  his  grand 
climacteric.  Active  on  his  farm,  graceful  and  elegant  in  his 
sa/oon,  it  is  difficult  to  trace,  in  one  of  the  most  successful 
agriculturalists,  and  one  of.  the  most  perfect  of  fine  gen. 
tlemen  of  France,  a  warrior,  and  a  legislator.  But  the 
patriot  is  always  discernable.  His  conversation  is  enriched 
with  anecdotes  of  all  that  is  celebrated  in  character  or  event, 
for  the  last  fifty  years.  His  elegant  and  well  chosen  collection 
of  books,  occupies  the  highest  apartments  in  one  of  the  towers 
of  the  chateau;  and  like  the  study  of  Montaigne,  hangs  over  the. 
the  farm-yard  of  the  philosophical  agriculturalist.  *  It  frequently 
happens,'  said  M.  La  Fayette,  to  one  of  his  visiters,  as  they 
were  looking  from  a  window  on  some  flocks,  which  were  moving 
beneath,  'that  my  merinos  and  my  hay-carts  dispute  my  attention 
to  Hume  or  Voltaire.' " 

The  practice  in  Europe,  particularly  with  the  landed  nobility 
and  gentry,  is  very  different  from  that  which  prevails  in  the 
United  States.  Here  the  paternal  home  becomes  the  home  of 
one  of  a  man's  descendants  only,  and  the  family  estate  is  given 
to  him,  or  divided  among  several  heirs:  the  members  of  the 
game  family,  and  descendants  of  the  same  ancestors,  are  scattered 
over  the  country;  one  remains  in  the  paternal  mansion,  one  goes 
to  seek  his  fortune  at  the  south,  and  becomes  a  planter  on  the 
banks  of  the  Mississippi;  another  emigrates  to  the  west,  and 
settles  on  the  borders  of  the  Ohio  or  the  Maumee;  and  perhaps 
a  fourth  becomes  a  successful  merchant  in  some  large  seaport. 
But  in  Europe  the  paternal  chateau  frequently  becomes  the 
home  of  all  the  descendants  of  the  owner,  and  his  whole  poster- 
ity, children,  children-in-law,  grand-children,  and  great-grand- 
children, all  reside  under  the  same  roof  with  himself.     He 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  553 

becomes  the  patriarch  of  a  numerous  race,  which  forms  a  com- 
munity of  themselves.  This  practice  is  not  favorable  to  enter- 
prise, but  there  is  something  very  agreeable  in  it,  and  conducive 
to  social  happiness. 

At  La  Grange  are  found  all  the  descendants  of  La  Fayette  t 
who  is  the  venerable  head  and  patriarch  of  the  interesting 
groupe.  He  has  three  children: — George  Washington  La  Fay- 
ette, who  was  married  in  1803,  and  has  five  children,  Oscar, 
Edmund,  Natalia,  Matilda, and  Clementina;  the  eldest  daughter 
is  twenty  years  of  age,  and  a  favorite  of*  her  grand-father.  This, 
the  only  son  of  the  general,  is  now  with  him  in  the  Uuited 
States.  His  eldest  daughter,  Anastasie,  as  we  have  already 
mentioned,  was  married  to  Charles  Latour  Maubourg,  brother 
of  the  companion  of  the  general  in  his  misfortunes,  of  that  name : 
they  have  three  daughters,  Louisie,  Jenny,  and  Mrs.  Brigode, 
the  latter  of  which  is  married,  and  has  two  daughters,  named 
Georgiannia  aud  Gabriella.  Virginia  La  Fayette,  rH  second 
daughter,  married  M.  de  Lasteyrie,  who  served  with  his  broth- 
er-in-law George,  in  several  campaigns,  and  was  distinguished  at 
Jena,  Eylau,  and  Friedland;  Mrs.  Lasteyrie  has  three  daughters 
and  one  son,  Paulina,  Melaire,  Octavina,  and  Jules. 

All  these  descendants,  to  the  third  generation,  reside  at  the 
hospitable  mansion  of  La  Grange,  and  it  is  said  are  principally 
dependent  on  the  income  of  that  estate  for  support. 

The  spacious  chateau  has  not  only  apartments  for  five  families, 
that  of  the  father,  son,  two  sons-in-law,  and  grand-son-in-law; 
but  there  is  also  an  apartment  for  M.  de  Maubourg,  the  compan- 
ion and  fellow-prisoner  with  the  general,  and  others  for  a 
brother  and  two  sisters  of  the  same  family. 

In  this  retired  situation, these  several  families,  the  descendants 
of  the  illustrious  patriot  who  is  their  patriarchal  chief,  live  in  a 
quiet,  agreeable,  and  simple  manner;  contented  and  happy  in  the 
enjoyment  of  each  other,  neither  caring  for,  nor  disturbed  by  the 
turbulentpleasuresof  the  world.  Noisy  dissipation,  splendid  equi- 
page, and  corrupting  luxury,are  strangers  at  this  favourite  abode 
of  peace  and  innocence, and  rural  simplicity.  Business  and  amuse- 
ments divide  their  attention,  and  afford  sufficient  occupation. 

70 


554  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE 

"  Little  rnral  balls  are  frequently  given  in  the  park,  in  the 
midst  of  the  honest  farmers  and  peasants  of  the  neighborhood, 
and  plays  are  performed  daily  by  both  old  and  young  members 
of  the  family,  in  the  open  air. 

"Early  in  the  morning,  every  one  is  occupied  in  his  own  apart- 
ment, where  a  servant  brings  him  coffee,  chocolate,  or  tea; 
scarcely  an  individual  makes  his  appearance  in  the  saloon,  till 
ten  or  eleven  o'clock.  The  utmost  quiet  and  silence  reigns 
throughout  the  chateau  until  this  time.  Then  all  the  families 
meet  together  at  breakfast,  and  the  delightful  prattle  of  the 
children  is  amusingly  contrasted  with  the  kind  and  constant 
attention  of  their  parents.  Eacn  mother  is  surrounded  by  her 
little  ones,  the  fathers  assist  in  taking  care  of  them,  and  the 
grandfather  presides  over  the  whole. 

"  After  breakfast  each  one  retires  till  5  o'clock,  when  dinner 
is  brought  up ;  the  families  again  meet,  converse,  laugh,  sing,  and 
dance,  ^ery  one  amusing  himself  according  to  his  age  and 
taste."* 

In  this  felicitous  retirement,  the  distinguished  patriot  and 
philanthropist,  who  is  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  has  lived  sur- 
rounded by  his  numerous  descendants,  with  patriarchal  simpli- 
city and  happiness,  since  1800.  He  has  frequented  no  places 
of  amusement,  and  had  little  intercourse  with  the  world,  he  has 
lived  like  an  intelligent  and  independent  agriculturalist,  and 
exhibiting  the  bright  example  of  a  public  man,  content  with  a 
moderate  income,  free  from  all  envious  and  angry  feelings;  and 
willing  to  live  in  dignified  silence  when  he  had  not  the  power  or 
influence  to  do  good.  He  has  spent  his  time  in  the  cultivation 
of  his  farm,  in  study,  and  answering  the  letters  of  his  numerous 
correspondents,  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  society  of  his  family 
and  many  friends  who  visit  La  Grange.  He  has  been  a  skilful 
and  scientific  agriculturalist,  and  that  agreeable  employment 
has  afforded  him  much  satisfaction,  whilst  it  has  been  the  source 
of  the  support  of  his  large  family.  His  flock  of  merino  have 
afforded  him  both  profit  and  pleasure,  and  he  has  been  very 


*Gencral  Holsteiu's  Memoirs  of  La  Fayette. 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  5o5 

successful  in  breeding  them,  having  made  himself  acquainted 
with  the  subject  when  residing  in  Holstein.  "My  dear  friend," 
said  he  to  one  of  his  visiters,  "you  cannot  conceive  how  much 
pleasure  I  enjoy  in  watching  the  yearly  growth  of  this  fine  flock: 
do  you  know  that  each  fleece  will  give  me  twelve  francs,  and 
that  I  get  two  shearings  every  year?"  To  another  visiter  he 
observed,  "  That  his  merinos  and  his  hay  carts  often  disputed 
his  attention  to  Hume  or  Voltaire."  Most  of  the  distinguished 
American  and  English  travellers  in  France,  visit  La  Grange. 

In  the  year  1 802, the  celebrated  Charles  James  Fox,  the  distin- 
guished British  orator  and  statesman,  and  General  Filzpatrick, 
also  a  distinguished  member  of  parliament,  visited  La  Grange. 
As  we  have' already  stated,  these  two  distinguished  men,  exerted 
all  their  powerful  eloquence  in  the  house  of  commons,  when  La 
Fayette  was  incarcerated  in  the  prisons  of  Olmutz,  to  induce  the 
British  government  to  interfere  for  his  liberation.  Although 
their  efforts  were  not  successful,  they  were  not  the  less  honorable  to 
them,  or  the  less  calculated  to  excite  the  gratitude  of  La  Fayette. 
General  Fitzpatrick  had  known  La  Fayette  in  America,  and 
admired  his  character  and  principles.  The  union  of  these  three 
distinguished  patriots  and  philanthropists,  after  the  momentous 
events  they  had  witnessed,  and  in  many  of  which,  acted  a  distin- 
guished part,  was  highly  gratifying  to  themselves,  and  a 
pleasing  sight  to  the  friends  of  liberty.  "  I  have  often,"  says 
the  writer  who  gives  an  account  of  this  interview,  "contemplated 
with  great  pleasure,  Mr.  Fox,  General  Fitzpatrick,  and  M.  de 
La  Fayette,  walking  in  the  long  shady  grove  near  the  chateau, 
.speaking  of  past  times,  the  war  in  America,  and  the  revolution 
in  France.  The  rare  sight  of  three  such  characters,  was  grate- 
ful to  anyone  who  felt  friendly  to  the  cause  of  civil  liberty,  and 
valued  men  for  their  services  to  humanity,  rather  than  for 
successful  ambition." 

Among  the  numerous  visiters  to  La  Grange,  was  lady  Morgan, 
who,  in  her  "  France,"  gives  a  very  interesting  account  of  her 
visit  to  this  hospitable  seat,  which  the  virtue  and  renown  of  its 
present  owner  will  render  celebrated  for  ever:  and  of  the 
numerous  inmates  of  the  venerable  chateau. 


;>5li  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE 

In  1807,  General  La  Fayette  was  affected  with  a  dome>ti< 
calamity,  which  more  sorely  affected  his  heajt  than  the  sufferings 
of  six  years  imprisonment.  The  imprisonment  of  Madame  La 
Fayette  at  Paris,  and  her  voluntary  confinement  in  the  damp 
and  unwholesome  dungeons  of  Olmutz,  had  undermined  her 
constitution,  and  she  never  enjoyed  perfect  health  afterward; 
but  her  fortitude,  patience,  equanimity,  and  sociableness  of 
temper,  were  not  impaired  with  her  health,  and  enabled  iier  to 
contribute  to  the  happiness  of  her  husband  and  family.  In 
December  this  virtuous  and  distinguished  woman,  fell  a  victim  to 
the  barbarous  persecutions  of  her  husband,  in  which  her  affection 
and  fidelity  led  her  to  be  a  voluntary  sharer.  The  same  winter^ 
General  La  Fayette  had  the  misfortune  to  fall  and  break  his 
leg,  which  confined  him  to  his  bed,  and  without  being  able  to 
change  his  position  for  nearly  six  months,  during  which  he 
suffered  severe  pain.     This  is  the  cause  of  his  present  lameness. 

The  dreadful  struggle  in  which  France  was  engaged  with  the 
combined  forces  of  all  the  powers  of  Europe,  did  not  call  the 
patriot  of  La  Grange  from  his  retreat:  it  is  not  to  be  supposed, 
however,  that  he  did  not  feel  great  anxiety  for  the  impending, 
fate  of  his  country ;  as  much  as  he  disliked  the  disposition  of 
Bonaparte,  he  was  evidently  opposed  to  the  restoration  of  the 
Bourbons,  as  they  intended  to  seize  upon  the  cpownas  their  own 
right,  by  the  aid  of  one  million  of  foreign  bayonets,  and  to  re-es- 
tablish the  absolute  power  of  the  monarchy  and  the  old  regime, 
as  far  as  it  could  be  done,  and  thus  destroy  all  the  fruits  of  the 
revolution.  He  visited  Louis  but  once  in  1814,  after  his  resto- 
ration, and  although  well  received,  he  did  not  repeat  the  visit. — 
Whilst  others  deeply  stained  with  the  crimes  of  the  revolution, 
and  against  the  Bourbon  family,  offered  their  adhesion,  and 
changed  as  the  political  tune  turned,  he  made  no  compromise  of 
principle,  neither  supplicated  for  favour,  nor  even  expressed  his 
approbation  of  the  re-establishment  of  the  Bourbon  throne. 

That  most  marvellous  event  in  the  history  of  nations,  the 
return  of  Napoleon  from  Elba,  the  re-establishment  of  the 
imperial  throne,  and  the  threatened  invasion  of  France,  with 
more  than  a  million  of  men,  did  not  call  him  from  his  retirement. 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  557 

The  emperor,  knowing  his  influence  with  the  friends  of  liberty, 
endeavored  to  obtain  his  approbation ;  he  sent  his  brother  Joseph 
to  invite  General  La  Fayette  to  an  interview  with  the  emperor, 
that  he  might  judge  for  himself  of  the  guarrantees  proposed  to 
be  offered  to  the  French  people.     This  invitation  he  declined. 

Napoleon,  on  the  22d  of  April,  with  a  view  to  conciliate  the 
nation,  issued  his  Acte  Additionet,  or  additional  act,  as  he  called 
it,  being  an  addition  to  the  constitutions  of  1799, 1802,  and  1804, 
which  provided  for  the  establishment  of  a  chamber  of  repre- 
sentatives to  be  elected  by  the  elective  colleges  and  an  hereditary 
chamber  of  peers.  This  act.  was  accepted  by  the  French 
people  under  the  influence  of  existing  circumstances;  but  it  was 
not  satisfactory  to  La  Fayette,  who  entered  his  solemn  protest 
against  it,  in  the  same  spirit,  and  from  the  same  considerations 
that  he  did  against  the  consulship  for  life.  But  the  same  college 
of  electors  to  which  he  presented  his  protest,  notwithstanding, 
first  chose  him  their  president,  and  then  their  representative.—*- 
The  emperor  too,  anxious  to  secure  his  influence,  or  at  least  his 
silence,  placed  his  name  first  on  the  list  of  peers;  but  true  to 
his  principles,  he  declined  this,  and  accepted  of  the  situation  of 
representative. 

General  La  Fayette  and  his  son  were  both  returned  as  depu- 
ties to  the  chamber.  The  emperor  used  all  his  influence  to  pro. 
cure  one  of  the  presidents  of  the  departments  of  state,  to  be 
chosen  president  of  the  chamber;  but  the  votes  were  divided 
between  Lenjuinais  and  La  Fayette,  and  after  several  ballots, 
the  former  was  chosen  president  and  the  latter  vice-president. 

During  this  short  reign  of  one  hundred  days,  La  Fayette  had 
but  little  confidence  in  'the  emperor;  he  saw  him  for  the  first  time> 
at  the  opening  of  the  session  on  the  7th  of  June.  "  It  is  above 
twelve  years  since  we  have  met,"  said  Napoleon  in  a  very  kind 
and  affectionate  manner.  But  this  had  no  influence  on  La  Fay- 
ette. The  defeat  of  the  emperor  at  Waterloo,  and  his  attempt, 
and  that  of  his  personal  friends,  to  prorogue  the  chamber,  and 
declare  himself  dictator,  afforded  a  crisis  which  called  forth  all 
the  energies  of  the  patriot  of  '89.  Napoleon  arrived  at  Paris, 
on  the  night  of  the  20th  of  June,  and  confirmed  all  that  had  been 


558  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

feared  as  to  the  defeat  of  the  army,  and  the  critical  situation  of 
the  country.  The  chamber  was  thrown  into  great  agitation,  not 
only  from  the  approach  of  foreign  armies,  but  from  a  report  that 
the  emperor  was  about  to  dissolve  the  chamber;  various  propo- 
sitions were  moved  and  withdrawn,  and  no  one  seemed  to  know 
what  to  do.  At  length  the  venerable  patriot,  La  Fayette,  arose, 
ascended  the  tribune,  and  addressed  the  chamber — "  This  is  the 
first  time  that  I  have  raised  my  voice  within  these  walls,  and  I 
feel  the  necessity  of  opening  my  whole  soul  to  my  colleagues. 
In  a  time  of  public  distress,  the  true  friends  of  liber  y  will  per- 
haps recognise  this  voice  which  Jias  always  been  raised  in  its  de- 
fence, and  never  has  been  mingled  with  the  cries  of  faction.  Our 
armies  have  suffered  a  reverse,  and  our  territory  is  threatened. 
It  is  to  you,  representatives  of  the  people,  that  it  belongs  to  rally 
the  nation  round  the  tri-coloured  banner  of  1789,  that  sacred 
standard  which  is  the  signal  of  the  revival  of  liberty,  indepen- 
dence, and  public  order.  It  is  to  you  that  it  belongs  to  summon 
the  whole  nation  to  the  defence  of  its  rights,  its  independence, 
and  its  territory  against  foreign  usurpation.  A  veteran  of  liberty, 
and,  I  repeat  it,  a  stranger  to  the  spirit  of  faction,  I  am  about  to 
propose  to  you  those  measures  which  our  present  critical  circum- 
stances imperiously  require," 

He  then  submitted  the  following  propositions: — 

"  Article  1 — The  chamber  of  representatives  declare  that 
the  independence  of  the  nation  is  endangered. 

"Article  2 — The  chamber  declare  themselves  in  continued 
session;  that  every  attempt  to  prorogue  the  session  shall  be 
considered  high  treason;  that  any  one  guilty  of  such  attempt 
shall  be  deemed  a  traitor  to  his  country  |  and  be  instantly  pro- 
ceeded against  as  such. 

"  Article  3 — The  army  of  the  line  and  the  national  guards, 
who  have  fought  and  are  still  fighting  for  the  independence  of 
France,  deserve  the  gratitude  of  their  country. 

"Article  4 — The  Minister  of  the  interior  is  requested  to  as. 
semble  the  General  Staff,  the  Commandants  and  Majors  of  the 
Legions  of  the  National  Guards  of  Paris,  to  consult  on  the 
means  of  supplying  them  with  ar,ms,  and  to  render  complete 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  559 

this  citizen  guard,  whose  patriotism  and  zeal  having  been  proved 
for  twenty-six  years,  offer  a  sure  guarrantee  of  the  liberty,  the 
property,  and  the  tranquility  of  the  capitol,  and  of  the  inviola- 
bility of  the  representatives  of  the  nation. 

'-'•Article  5 — The  Ministers  of  War,  those  of  Foreign  Relations, 
of  the  Interior,  and  of  the  Police,  are  invited  to  attend  the 
assembly  immediately." 

These  resolutions  were  adopted  with  some  slight  alterations. 

Gen.  La  Fayette  had  been  informed  by  Regnault  de  St.  Jean 
d'Angely,  and  Thibaudeau,  two  of  the  emperor's  council,  who 
were  opposed  to  this  violent  measure,  that  it  was  the  intention  of 
Napoleon  immediately  to  dissolve  the  chamber.  It  was  a  great 
crisis;  either  the  emperor  or  the  chamber  must  fall  that  day; 
and  the  courage  and  influence  of  La  Fayette  decided  this  mo- 
mentous question.  The  emperor  was  said  to  be  greatly  agita- 
ted when  he  was  informed  that  La  Fayette  was  addressing  the 
chamber.  "What,"  said  he,  "La  Fayette  in  the  tribune?" 
He  was  greatly  agitated  and  embarrassed  from  the  measures 
which  had  been  adopted  in  the  chamber;  he  hesitated  nearly 
the  whole  day  what  course  to  pursue,  his  friends  were  also  di- 
vided in  their  opinions;  his  courage  and  firmness  seemed  to  have 
forsaken  him,  and  it  is  said  that  Lucien  told  him,  "that  the 
smoke  of  the  battle  of  Mount  St.  Jean  had  turned  his  brain." 
It  was  finally  decided  to  send  Lucien  and  three  of  the  ministers 
to  the  chamber,  in  conformity  to  their  resolution,  to  make  a  par- 
tial exposition  of  the  state  of  affairs.  Bonaparte  relied,  prin- 
cipally, on  the  eloquence  of  Lucien, to  which  he  was  indebted, 
for  success  in  the  revolution  of  the  18th  of  Brumaire,  to  bring 
the  chamber  into  his  views.  It  was  past  five  o'clock  in  the 
evening  when  the  ministers  and  Lucien  arrived;  the  appearance 
of  the  latter  occasioned  loud  murmurs;  which,  however,  subsi- 
ded on  the  house  being  informed  by  the  president  that  he  ap- 
peared as  the  commissioner  of  the  emperor.  The  ministers 
made  a  partial  exposition  of  the  state  of  affairs,  of  the  resources 
of  the  nation,  and  of  the  hopes  and  projects  they  still  enter- 
tained. A  short,  but  painful  silence  ensued,  which  was  inter- 
nipted  by  an  animated  debate,  attended  with  great  agitation. 


560  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

M.  Duchene,  and  other  members,  (among  whom  was  Mr.  Jay, 
who,  twenty  years  ago,  was  well  known  in  Boston,  under  the  as- 
sumed name  of  Renaud,  as  a  teacher  of  the  French  language, 
and  a  writer  in  the  public  newspapers,)  took  a  hasty,  but  spirited 
view  of  the  alarming  state  of  affairs,  the  impossibility  of  oppo- 
sing the  advance  of  the  enemy,  and  concluded,  by  strongly  ur- 
ging, that,  as  the  allies  had  refused  to  treat  with  the  man  at  the 
head  of  the  government,  it  was  a  duty  which  the  chamber  owed 
the  nation,  to  insist  on  the  unqualified  abdication  of  the  empe- 
ror. This  bold  proposition  had  been  apprehended,  and  to  resist 
which  Lucien  had  attended  the  chamber.  He  had  exhibited 
great  impatience  and  excitement  during  the  discussion.  His 
situation  was  the  most  critical  and  trying;  the  power  and  politi- 
cal existence  of  the  emperor,  and  all  the  hopes,  and  obejcts  de- 
pending upon  them,  were  confided  to  him,  and  depended  on  the 
success  of  his  efforts.  He  was  sensible  too,  of  the  disposition  of 
the  chamber,  ar  d  of  the  alarm  which  prevailed  among  the  mem- 
bers. At  length  Lucien  arose,  and  ascended  the  tribune,  and 
in  the  doubtful  and  gloomy  light  which  two  vast  torches  shed 
through  the  hall,  and  over  the  anxious  features  of  the  members, 
commenced  a  reply.  Momentous  as  was  the  occasion,  he  was 
found  fully  equal  to  it;  he  never  before  appeared  equally  pow- 
erful, or  poured  forth  such  a  strain  of  impassioned  and  vehe- 
ment eloquence.  It  was  a  speech  worthy  the  defence  of  a 
throne  and  a  dynasty.  J'he  scope  of  his  argument  was  designed 
to  prove,  that  the  pretensions  of  the  allies,  that  their  designs 
were  directed  against  the  emperor,  and  not  against  France,  were 
deceptive  and  intended  to  delude  the  French  people,  and  lead 
to  the  subjugation  of  the  nation;  that  the  people  of  France 
were  still  attached  to  the  emperor;  that  momentous  as  was  the 
crisis,  the  resources  of  the  country  were  adequate  to  its  defence, 
and  that  the  genius  and  talents  of  the  emperor  were  necessary 
for  this  object.  He  insisted  that  the  emperor  was  necessary  to 
the  salvation  of  France,  and  that  to  separate  him  from  the  na- 
tion, would  be  to  deliver  it  up  to  their  implacable -enemies.  "It 
is  not  Napoleon,"  he  cried,  "that  is  attacked,  it  is  the  French 
people  i  and  a  proposition  is  now  made  to  this  people  to  abandon 


MARQUIS  DE  LA   FAYETTE,  561 

their  emperor;  to  expose  the  French  nation  before  the  tribunal 
of  the  world  to  a  severe  judgment  on  its  levity  and  inconstancy. 
No  sir,  the  honor  of  this  nation  shall  never  be  so  compromised !" 
As  soon  as  this  solemn  declaration  was. made,  La  Fayette  arose, 
and  interrupted  the  speaker.  Standing  in  his  place,  and  with- 
out going  to  the  tribune,  which  was  contrary  to  the  rules  of  the 
house,  he  observed  in  a  manner  calm  and  dignified,  addressing 
himself  to  Lucien,  and  not  to  the  president — "The  assertion 
which  has  just  been  uttered  is  a  calumny.  Who  shall  dare  to 
accuse  the  French  nation  of  inconstancy  to  the  Emperor  Napo- 
leon? That  nation  has  followed  his  bloody  footsteps  through 
the  sands  of  Egypt,  and  through  the  wastes  of  Russia;  over  fifty 
fields  of  battle;  as  faithful  in  disaster  as  in  victory:  and  it  is  for 
having  thus  devotedly  followed  him,  that  we  now  mourn  the 
blood  of  three  millions  of  Frenchman."  These  words  and  the 
solemn  truths  they  conveyed,  made  a  visible  impression  On  the 
chamber,  which  Lucien  perceiving,  he  bowed  respectfully  to 
La  Fayette,  and  sat  down  without  resuming  his  speech. 

Finally,  a  resolution  was  carried  to  appoint  a  deputation  of 
five  members  from  each  chamber,  to  attend  the  grand  council 
of  ministers  which  was  to  be  held  that  night  to  determine  on 
the  measures  to  be  adopted.  La  Fayette  was  one  of  the  num- 
ber. Cambaceres,  the  arch-chancellor  of  the  empire,  presided 
at  the  sitting.  A  motion  was  made  by  La  Fayette  that  a  dep- 
utation, the  next  morning,  wait  on  the  emperor  and  request  his 
abdication:  this  motion  the  president  refused  to  put;  but  it  was 
as  much  decided  as  though  it  had  been  formally  adopted.  The 
following  morning,  the  22d  of  June,  Napoleon  sent  to  the  cham- 
ber his  abdication ;  and  a  committe  was  thereupon  appointed,  of 
which  La  Fayette  was  one,  who  went  to  the  Thuilleries  to  thank 
him  for  it,  in  behalf  of  the  nation.  It  was  this  bold  asserter  of 
the  rights  of  the  people,  also,  who  proposed  that  the  life  of  Na- 
poleon should  be  put  under  the  protection  of  the  French  people. 
A  provisional  government  was  established,  which  appointed 
commissioners,  of  whom  La  Fayette  was  the  head,  to  treat  with 
the  allies,  for  the  suspension  of  hostilities;  but  their  efforts  were 
unavailing,  as  this  did  not  agree  with  their  legitimate  views. 
71 


562  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

On  returning  to  the  capital,  he  learned  with  surprise  and  r^gi 
that  the  city  had  capitulated,  and  the  army  been  withdrawn. 
The  chamber  continued  in  session  until  the  7th  of  July,  and 
on  the  next  day,  the  doors  being  closed  by  the  gens  d'armes, 
although  it  is  not  known  by  whose  orders,  a  number  of  the  dep- 
uties met  at  the  house  of  La  Fayette,  from  whence,  at  his  in- 
stance, they  repaired  to  that  of  the  president,  and  entered  a  for- 
mal protest  against  this  forcible  and  unjust  exclusion,  and  each 
one  went  his  own  way.  Perceiving  that  nothing  more  could  be 
done  to  secure  the  liberties  of  the  people,  La  Fayette  retired  to 
his  estate.  He  did  not,  like  some  of  his  mistaken  friends  in 
America,  hail  the  restoration  of  the  Bourbons,  as  having  ren- 
dered the  "family  of  nations  complete,"  or  as  a  glorious  termi- 
nation of  "  the  long  agony  "  for  liberty.  He  did  not  acknowledge 
the  "legitimacy"  of  a  dynasty  and  government  established  by 
force  and  violence,  the  invasion  and  subjugation  of  the  country; 
by  foreign  armies ;  he  did  not  supplicate  for  favor  or  preferment ; 
he  did  not  even  visit  the  king;  and  the  minions  of  the  "holy  al- 
liance" knew  him  too  well  to  consult  him,  or  invite  him  to  take 
any  part  in  the  new  government,  although  many  of  the  creatures 
of  Bonaparte  were  employed. 

Since  this  era,  General  La  Fayette  has  remained  in  retire 
ment,  and  taken  but  little  part  in  public  affairs.  He  has  been 
twice  returned  a  member  of  the  chamber  of  deputies  since  1817, 
in  opposition  to  all  the  influence  of  the  ministerial  party.  He, 
in  general,  has  taken  but  little  part  in  the  business  of  the  legis- 
lature, believing  that  he  could  do  no  good.  But  the  plan  of  the 
minister  to  establish  a  censorship  over  the  press,  aroused  the  pa- 
triotism and  spirit  of  this  veteran  of  two  revolutions.  He  de- 
clared with  great  energy,  that  the  law  was  incompatible  with 
even  the  most  limited  freedom,  and  an  outrage  on  the  rights  of 
the  people;  and  he  "conjured  the  servants  of  the  crown  to 
maintain  the  liberties  of  France  within  the  limits  prescribed  by 
the  constitution.  To  violate  it,  is  to  dissolve  the  mutual  guar- 
antees of  the  nation  and  the  throne;  it  is  to  give  ourselves  up 
to  total  primitive  freedom  from  all  duties  and  from  all  laws," 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  563 

The  proposed  law  was  adopted  by  a  small  majority ;  which 
led  to  the  institution  of  a  society,  consisting  of  the  members  of 
the  opposition,  and  other  liberals,  for  the  relief  of  those  who 
might  suffer  on  account  of  the  unjust  restrictions  on  the  press* 
General  La  Fayette  was  placed  at  the  head  of  this  society. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

♦"Je-neral  La  Fayette  receives  numerous  invitations  to  visit  the  United  States 
once  more — Resolution  of  congress  on  this  suhject — He  arrives  at  New  York 
— The  reception  he  has  met  with  by  the  people — Detail  of  the  manner  of  his 
reception  by  congress — Address  of  the  speaker  and  his  reply — Grant  made 
him  by  congress — His  services  for  America,  and  character. 

As  Gent.  La  Fayette  could  discover  but  little  gratifying  to 
him,  in  the  present  political  condition  and  future  prospects  of 
his  native  country,  for  several  years  past,  his  heart  seems  to 
have  inclined,  with  unusual  fondness  to  the  country  of  his  adop- 
tion— to  his  dear  America,  the  theatre  of  his  early  and  suc- 
cessful struggles  in  the  cause  of  liberty;  where  his  patriotism 
and  services  in  that  sacred  cause  are  duly  appreciated,  and 
where  he  is  honored,  venerated,  and  almost  adored.  Having 
signified  to  many  Americans,  and  others,  his  intentions  of  visiting 
the  United  States  once  more,  numerous  public  and  private  let- 
ters were  written  to  him,  from  this  country,  expressing  much 
satisfaction  at  this  intelligence,  and  the  hope  that  the  citizens 
of  the  United  States  would  soon  be  gratified  by  seeing  among 
them  this  distinguished  friend  of  America  and  great  apostle  of 
liberty.  Among  other  communications  were  letters  from  the 
mayors  of  .tycw  York  and  Boston,  inviting  him  to  visit  those 
cities;  and  in  January,  1824,  congress  adopted  a  resolution  re- 
questing the  president  "to  offer  him  a  public  ship,  for  his  ac- 
commodation, and  to  assure  him,  in  the  name  of  the  people  of 
this  great  republic,  that  they  cherished  for  him  a  grateful  and 
affectionate  attachment."  This  national  respect,  more  honor- 
able, perhaps  than  any  individual  ever  received  before,  under 
similar  circumstances,  he  declined,  probably  from  motives  of 


Bd4  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

delicacy;  but  embarked  at  Havre,  tbe  (port  at  which  he  had 
three  times  before  set  sail  for  the  United  States,)  in  a  private  ves- 
sel, and  arrived  at  New- York  on  the  15th  of  August,  1824.  He 
was  accompanied  by  his  son  George  Washington  La  Fayette,  and 
his  friend  and  private  secretary,  M.  La  Vassieur. 

The  reception  which  General  La  Fayette  met  with  at  this 
commercial  metropolis  of  the  United  States,  and  in  every  other 
town  which  he  has  visited,  or  through  which  he  has  passed,  has 
been  such  as  became  the  free  citizens  of  the  freest  nation  on 
earth,  to  offer  to  the  first  and  most  venerated  patriot  of  the  age, 
and  the  early  and  undeviating  friend  of  America,  who  had  sa- 
crificed his  fortune  and  his  blood  in  establishing  its  independence 
and  liberty.  Although  he  came  among  us  as  a  private  indivi- 
dual, he  has  been  received  as.  a  public  or  national  character,  as 
the  guest  of  the  country,  and  honored  as  the  distinguished  and 
disinterested  benefactor  of  America:  to  whom,  ten  millions  of 
freemen  acknowledge  themselves  measurably  indebted  for  the 
political  privileges  and  blessings  which  they  enjoy.-  No  man 
ever  received,  and  no  one  can  receive  greater  honour  than  this: 
the  homage  and  gratitude  of  an  entire  nation;  unbribed  and  un- 
hought,  flowing  spontaneously,  the  free-will  offering  of  the  hear! 
a  universal  impulse  which  vibrated  as  the  pulse  of  the  nation. 
To  this  universal  feeling,  manifested  in  a  thousand  ways  and  by 
the  strongest  demonstrations,  there  is  not  a  solitary  discordant 
voice;  there  is  "no  rebellious  string,  that  jars  in  the  grand  chorus 
and  dissents."  All  are  united,  there  is^but  one  sentiment,  and 
the  wish  of  the  imperial  tyrant  of  Rome  that  the  Roman  people 
had  but  one  neck  that  he  might  sever  it  at  a  blow,  is  in  some 
measure  realized  here,  on  the  present  occasion,  as  the  American 
people  have  but  one  heart,  and  but  one  voice.  This  honor,  unex- 
ampled and  distinguished  as  it,  does  not  exceed  the  merits  of  the 
individual  who  is  the  subject  of  it,  as  his  character  and  services 
for  America,  are  equally  unexampled.  The  moral  grandeur  of 
this  scene  is  unequalled,  and  its  political  influence  must  be  great 
and  salutary.  It  is  not  only  to  the  benefactor  of  America  that 
such  distinguished  honors  are  offered ;  but  it  is  also  to  the  uniform 
and  consistent  patriot,  and  the  steadfast  and  undcjiuling  friend  of 
liberty. 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAVETTE.  565 

These  honours  from  the  people,  in  their  individual  and  pri^ 
mary  character,  called  for  corresponding  conduct  from  the  nation 
in  its  collective  and  corporate  capacity;  and  the  representatives 
of  the  people  have  met  the  wishes  of  their  constituents,  and  as 
the  organs  of  the  public  will,  have,  in  the  name  of  the  nation, 
shown  that  respect  to  the  distinguished  benefactor  of  the  coun- 
try, which  corresponded  with  the  sentiments  manifested  by  the 
people.  They  have  done  more;  they  have  offered  a  more  sub- 
stantial tribute  of  respect,  and  in  some  measure  discharged  the 
obligations  of  the  nation  to  its  disinterested  and  illustrious  ben- 
efactor. 

We  cannot,  from  our  prescribed  limits,  follow  General  La 
Fayette  in  his  tour  through  the  United  States,  and  his  visits  to 
the  principal  towns,  and  notice  the  various  manifestations  of  res- 
pect and  gratitude,  by  addresses,  illuminations,  military  escorts, 
parades,  and  public  entertainments;  besides,  these  details  have 
so  recently  appeared  in  the  public  papers,  that  they  are  fresh  in 
the  minds  of  all,  and  a^repetition  of  them  would  afford  but  lit. 
tie  interest.  The  resj>ect,  however,  shown  him  by  congress, 
possessing  a  national  character,  is  more  deserving  of  notice. 

President  Monroe,  in  his  message  at  the  opening  of  the  ses- 
sion, recommended  to  congress  to  make  some  remuneration  to 
General  La  Fayette,  for  his  services  and  sacrifices  in  the  revo- 
lutionary war,  worthy  the  national  character.  The  suggestion 
of  the  president,  which  was  in  accordance  with  the  sentiments 
of  the  people,  has  been  very  honourably  followed  up  by  con- 
gress, which  has  manifested  its  respect  and  liberality,  both  in  a 
manner  wholly  unexampled'. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  session,  a  joint  committee  was 
appointed' to  consider  and  report,  what  respectful  mode  it  might 
be  proper  for  congress  to  adopt  to  receive  Gen.  La  Fayette,  and 
to  testify  the  high  gratification  which  he  has  afforded,  by  his 
present  visit  to  the  United  States.  The  committee,  on  the  part 
of<the  house,  recommended  the  following  resolutions,  which 
were  unanimously  adopted: — 

"Resolved,  That  the  congratulations  of  this  House  be  publicly 
given  to  General  La  Fayette,  on  his  arrival  in  the  United  States  ? 


oG6  MARQBIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

in  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  congress,  and  that  he  be  assured 
of  the  gratitude  and  deep  respect  which  the  House  entertains 
ibr  his  signal  and  illustrious  services  in  the  Revolution,  and  the 
pleasure  it  feels  in  being  able  to  welcome  him,  after  an  absence 
of  so  many  years,  to  the  theatre  of  his  early  labors  and  early 
renown. 

"  Resolved,  That,  for  this  purpose,  General  La  Fayette  be  in- 
vited by  a  Committee  to  attend  the  House  on  Friday  next,  at 
one  o'clock;  that  he  be  introduced  by  the  Committee,  and  re- 
ceived by  the  members  standing,  uncovered,  and  addressed  by 
the  Speaker  in  behalf  of  the  House." 

The  committee,  on  the  part  of  the  senate,  recommended  "  that 
the  president  of  the  senate  invite  General  La  Fayette  to  take  a 
seat,  such  as  he  might  designate,  in  the  Senate  chamber;  that 
the  committee  deliver  the  invitation  to  the  general,  and  intro- 
duce him  into  the  senate,  and  the  members  to  receive  him  stand- 
ing." This  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted:  and  about  one 
o'clock  on  the  9th  of  December,  General  La  Fayette  entered, 
supported  on  the  left  by  the  Hon.  Mr.  Barbour,  chairman  of  the 
committee,  and  followed  by  the  rest  of  the  committee ;  he  was 
conducted  to  a  seat  on  the  right  of  the  president  pro  tern,  the 
Honorable  Mr.  Gaillard,  in  the  presence  of  the  senators,  all 
of  whom  were  standing.  As  he  entered,  Mr.  Barbour  ad- 
dressed the  senate  in  these  words: — "  We  present  General  La 
Fayette  to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States;"  and  as  he  ad- 
vanced to  the  president's  chair,  the  president  addressed  him: — 
;'  On  the  part  of  the  senate,  I  invite  you  to  take  a  seat,"  pointing 
10  the  scat  on  the  right  of  the  chair.  A  motion  was  then  made 
"that  the  senate  do  now  adjourn,  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  the 
members,  individually,  to  pay  their  respects  to  Gen.  La  Fayette ;" 
which  was  unanimously  adopted ;  and  thereupon  the  members, 
leaving  their  seats,  in  turn  saluted  him,  in  the  most  cordial 
manner. — This  is  the  first  instance  in  which  an  individual  was 
introduced  to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  whilst  in  session. 

Cassar  never  received  greater  honour  from  the  servile  senate 
of  Rome,  when  his  victorious  legions  surrounded  the  capitol; 
but  one  was  the  constrained  homage  bestowed  on  a  conqueror, 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  567 

at  the  head  of  a  victorious  army ;  the  other,  the  free  and  spon- 
taneous honour  shown  to  a  private  individual,  without  power  or 
influence  to  command  it,  or  any  other  consideration,  but  his  un- 
exampled patriotism  and  distinguished  services. 

At  an  early  hour  on  the  next  day,  crowds  were  flocking  into 
the  galleries  of  the  house  of  representatives,  and  before  eleven 
o'clock  a  concourse  of  ladies  entered  the  hall  and  took  the  seats 
and  sofas  prepared  for  them;  it  was  found  necessary  to  provide 
additional  seats,  and  soon  the  house  presented  an  exhibition  of 
beauty  and  fashion,  which  it  is  presumed  has  never  been  equalled, 
that  gave  a  more  imposing  interest  to  a  scene  naturally  grand  and 
affecting.  A  motion  having  been  adopted,  to  invite  the  members 
of  the  senate  to  attend  on  the  occasion,  they  entered  in  proces- 
sion, and  took  seats  on  the  right  of  the  speaker.  At  one  o'clock, 
George  Washington  La  Fayette  and  Colonel  La  Vassieur,  the 
secretary  of  the  general,  entered  and  took  seats  by  the  side  of  the 
secretary  of  state:  and  in  a  few  minutes,  General  La  Fayette 
entered  the  house,  supported  on  his  right  by  Mr.  Mitchell,  chair- 
man of  the  committee,  on  his  left  by  Mr.  Livingston,  and  folloAved 
by  the  rest  of  the  committee. 

The  speaker  and  members  then  rose,  and  the  procession  ad- 
vanced towards  the  centre  of  the  houses  when  Mr.  Mitchell  intro- 
duced Gen.  La  Fayette  in  the  following  words:— "Mr.  Speaker — 
The  select  committee,  appointed  for  that  purpose,  have  the  hon- 
our to  introduce  General  La  Fayette  to  the  House  of  Represen- 
tatives." 

General  La  Fayette  being  conducted  to  the  seat  prepared  for 
him,  the  speaker,  Mr.  Clay,  arose  and  addressed  him  in  the  fol- 
lowing dignified  and  impressive  manner: — 

"General: — The  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United 
States,  impelled  alike  by  its  own  feelings,  and  by  those  of  the 
whole  American  people,  could  not  have  assigned  to  me  a  more 
gratifying  duty  than  that  of  presenting  to  you  cordial  congratu- 
lations upon  the  occasion  of  your  recent  arrival  in  the  United 
States,  in  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  congress,  and  to  assure 
you  of  the  very  high  satisfaction  which  >our  presence  affords  on 
this  early  theatre  of  your  glory  and  renown.     Although  but  few 


568  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

of  the  members  who  compose  this  body  shared  with  you  in  the 
war  of  our  revolution,  all  have,  from  an  impartial  history,  or 
from  faithful  tradition,  a  knowledge  of  the  perils,  the  sufferings, 
and  the  sacrifices  which  you  voluntarily  encountered,  and  the 
signal  services,  in  America  and  Europe,  which  you  performed 
for  an  infant,  a  distant,  and  an  alien  people;  and  all  feel  and 
own  the  very  great  extent  of  the  obligations  under  which  you  have 
placed  our  country.  But  the  relations  in  which  you  have  ever 
stood  to  the  United  States,  interesting  and  important  as  they 
have  been,  do  not  constitute  the  only  motive  of  the  respect  and 
admiration  which  the  house  of  representatives  entertain  for 
you.  Your  consistency  of  character,  your  uniform  devotion  to 
regulated  liberty,  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  a  long  and  ardous 
life,  also  command  its  admiration.  During  all  the  recent  con- 
vulsions of  Europe,  amidst,  as  after  the  dispersion  of,  every 
political  storm,  the  people  of  the  United  States  have  beheld 
you,  true"  to  your  old  principles,  firm  and  erect,  cheering  and 
animating  with  your  well-known  voice,  the  votaries  of  liberty, 
its  faithful  and  fearless  champion,  ready  to  shed  the  last  drop  of 
that  blood  which  here  you  so  freely  and  nobly  spilt,  in  the  same 
holy  cause. 

The  vain  wish  has  been  sometimes  indulged,  that  Providence 
would  allow  the  patriot,  after  death,  to  return  to  his  country, 
and  to  contemplate  the  intermediate  changes  which  had  taken 
place — to  view  the  forest  felled,  the  cities  built,  the  mountains 
levelled,  the  canals  cut,  the  highways  constructed,  the  progress 
of  the  arts,  the  advancement  of  learning,  and  increase  of  popu- 
lation. General,  your  present  visit  to  the  United  States  is  a 
realization  of  the  consoling  object  of  that  wish.  You  are  in  the 
midst  of  posterity.  Every  where,  you  must  have  been  struck 
with  the  great  changes,  physical  and  moral,  which  have  occurred 
since  you  left  us.  Even  this  very  city,  bearing  a  venerated 
name,  alike  endeared  to  you  and  to  us,  has  since  emerged  from 
the  forest  which  then  covered  its  site.  In  one  respect  you  behold 
us  unaltered,  and  that  it  is  in  the  sentiment  of  continued  devotion 
to  liberty,  and  of  ardent  affection  and  profound  gratitude  to 
your  departed  friend,  the  father  of  his  country,  and  to  you,  and 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  568 

to  your  illustrious  associates  in  the  field  and  in  the  cabinet,  for 
the  multiplied  blessings  which  surround  us,  and  for  the  very 
privilege  of  addressing  you,  which  I  now  exercise.  This  senti- 
ment, now  fondly  cherished  by  more  than  ten  millions  of  people, 
will  be  transmitted,  with  unabated  vigour,  down  the  tide  of 
time,  through  the  countless  millions  who  are  destined  to  inhabit 
this  continent,  to  the  latest  posterity," 

While  the  speaker  was  addressing  him,  General  La  Fayette 
was  very  evidently  affected.  At  the  close  of  the  address,  he 
seated  himself  for  a  few  seconds,  and  then  rose,  and  in  a  tone 
influenced  by  powerful  feeling,  made  the  following  reply: — 

Mr.  Speaker,  and  gentlemen 

of  the  House  of  Representatives : — 

While  the  people  of  *he  United  States,  and  their  honorable 
representatives  in  Congress,  have  deigned  to  make  choice  of  me, 
one  of  the  American  v.terans,  to  signify  in  his  person,  their 
esteem  for  our  joint  services,  and  their  attachment  to  the  prin- 
ciples for  which  we  have  had  the  honour  to  fight  and  bleed,  I 
am  proud  and  happy  to  share  those  extraordinary  favors  with 
my  dear  revolutionary  companions;  yet  it  would  be, on  my  part, 
uncandid  and  ungrateful  not  to  acknowledge  my  personal  share 
in  their  testimonies  of  kindness,  as  they  excite  in  my  mind 
emotions  which  no  adequate  words  could  express. 

My  obligations  to  the  United  States,  sir,  far  exceed  any  merit 
I  might  claim;  they  date  from  the  time  when  I  have  had  the 
happiness  to  be  adopted  as  a  young  soldier,  a  favoured  son  of 
America;  they  have  been  continued  to  me  during  almost  half 
a  century  of  constant  affection  and  confidence;  and  now,  sir, 
thanks  to  your  most  gratifying  invitation,  I  find  myself  greeted 
by  a  series  of  welcomes,  one  hour  of  which  would  more  than 
compensate  for  the  public  exertions  and  sufferings  of  a  whole 
life. 

The  approbation  of  the  American  people,  and  their  represen- 
tatives, for  my  conduct  during  the  vicissitudes  of  the  European 
revolution,  is  the  highest  reward  I  could  receive.  Well  may  I 
stand  firm  and  crert,  when  in  their  names,  and  by  you,  Mr. 
Speaker,  I  am  declared  to  have,  in  every  instance,  been  faithful 

72 


570  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

to  those  American  principles  of  liberty,  equality,  and  true 
social  orc!er,  the  devotion  to  which,  as  it  has  been  from  my 
earliest  youth,  so  it  shall  continue  to  be  to  my  latest  breath. 

You  have  been  pleased,  Mr.  Speaker,  to  allude  to  the  pecu- 
liar felicity  of  my  situation,  when,  after  so  long  an  absence,  I 
am  called  to  witness  the  immense  improvements,  the  admirable 
communications,  the  prodigious  creations,  of  which  we  find  an 
example  in  this  city,  whose  name  itself  is  a  venerated  palladium ; 
in  a  word,  all  the  grandeur  and  prosperity  of  these  happy  United 
States,  who  at  the  same  time  they  nobly  secure  the  complete 
assertion  of  American  independence,  reflect,  on  every  part  of 
the  world,  the  light  of  a  far  superior  political  civilization. 

What  better  pledge  can  be  given,  of  a  persevering  national 
love  of  liberty,  when  those  blessings  are  evidently  the  result  of 
a  virtuous  resistance  to  oppression,  and  of  institutions  founded 
on  the  rights  of  man,  and  the  republican  principle  of  self-gov- 
ernment. 

No,  Mr.  Speaker,  posterity  has  not  begun  for  me,  since,  in 
the  sons  of  my  companions  and  friends,  I  find  the  same  public 
feelings,  and,  permit  me  to  add,  the  same  feelings  in  my  behalf, 
which  I  have  had  the  happiness  to  experience  in  their  fathers. 

Sir,  I  have  been  allowed  forty  years  ago,  before  a  committee 
of  a  Congress  of  thirteen  states,  to  express  the  fond  wishes  of 
an  American  heart;  on  this  day,  I  have  the  honour,  and 
enjoy  the  delight,  to  congratulate  the  Representatives  of  the 
Union,  so  vastly  enlarged,  on  the  realization  of  those  wishes, 
even  beyond  every  human  expectation,  and  upon  the  almost 
infinite  prospects  we  can  with  certainty  anticipate;  permit  me, 
Mr.  Speaker,  and  gentlemen  of  the  house  of  representatives, 
to  join  to  the  expression  of  those  sentiments,  a  tribute  of  my 
lively  gratitude,  affectionate  devotion,  and  profound  respect. 

This  scene,  this  simple  and  unstudied  expression  of  a  nation's 
feelings  towards  its  early  and  disinterested  benefactor,  was 
truly  affecting  and  sublime;  how  unlike  the  kingly  pomp,  the 
idle  and  ceremonious  pageantry  of  courts!  it  gives  a  moral  effect 
and  grandeur  to  the  republican  character  and  free  institutions, 
which  exalt  them  far  above  any  thing  which  the  records  of 
monarchv  afford* 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  571 

The  noble  sentiments,  worthy  of  the  best  days  of  Rome,  of 
the  address  of  the  speaker,  and  the  reply  of  the  general,  were 
listened  to  with  the  profoundest  attention;  the  deepest  interest 
was  manifested ;  and  both  on  the  floor,  and  in  the  galleries,  the 
most  unbroken  silence  prevailed:  every  eye  was  strained,  and 
every  ear  on  the  alert,  that  not  a  word,  nor  a  movement  of  the 
countenance  of  the  venerable  object  of  such  unexampled  national 
honour,  should  be  lost. 

As  soon  as  the  general  resumed  his  seat,  a  motion  was  made 
and  adopted  to  adjourn;  and  immediately  the  speaker  left  the 
chair,  and  offered  him  his  personal  congratulations,  shaking 
him  cordially  by  the  hand.  This  was  followed  by  the  Speaker's 
introducing  all  the  members  of  the  house  individually  to  the 
general,  which  closed  a  scene  the  most  imposing  in  its  character, 
and  instructive  in  its  effects,  which,  perhaps,  has  ever  been 
witnessed  in  any  age  or  nation. 

But  Congress  did  not  stop  here;  they  have  left  on  record  a 
more  substantial  and  imperishable  testimonial  of  national  grati- 
tude. A  committee  was  raised  in  each  house,  to  consider  and 
report  what  provision  it  would  be  proper  to  make  for  Gen.  La 
Fayette;  which  reported  a  bill  granting  to  him  two  hundred 
thousand  dollars,  in  stock  to  be  created  for  that  purpose,  and  a 
township  of  land,  to  be  located  on  any  of  the  unappropriated  lands 
of  the  government.  This  bill,  after  some  slight  opposition,  which 
only  served  to  call  forth  a  disclosure  of  the  immense  expendi- 
tures and  sacrifice  of  this  veteran  patriot  during  the  six  years 
he  was  engaged  in  our  revolutionary  struggle,  was  adopted, 
there  being  only  seven  dissenting  voices  in  the  Senate,  and 
twenty-six  in  the  house.  It  was  stated  by  Mr.  Haynes  in  the 
Senate,  that  he  had  documents  in  his  hand,  which  had  been 
obtained  without  the  interference  or  knowledge  of  La  Fayette, 
from  which  it  incontestably  appeared  that  during  six  years  of 
the  American  war,  he  expended  in  the  service  700,000  francs, 
or  140,000  dollars.  This  sum  at  compound  interest  for  forty- 
three  years,  would  amount  to  more  than  a  million  of  dollars. — 
Mr.  Haynes  also  stated  another  fact,  highly  honorable  to  the 
general.     In  1 803,  congress  granted  him  a  tract  of  1 1,520  acres 


572  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

of  land,  to  be  located  in  any  of  the  unappropriated  lands  oi 
the  government;  and  his  agent  located  1000  acres  in  the  county 
of  Orleans,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  city  of  N.  O.  Without 
attending  to  this  fact,  congress  subsequently  included  this  tract 
in  a  grant  of  land  made  to  that  city.  This  tract  was  then  worth 
50,000  dollars,  and  is  now  said  to  be  valued  at  500,000.  Not- 
withstanding this,  and  although  advised  that  his  title  was  indubi- 
tably valid,  the  general,  with  singular  delicacy  of  feeling,  im- 
mediately relinquished  his  claim,  and  caused  a  deed  to  be 
recorded,  remarking,  "  that  he  would  notenter  into  controversy; 
the  act  had  been  gratuitous,  and  congress  best  knew  what  they 
intended  to  bestow." 

The  following  is  the  act: — 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  United  States  of  America,  in  Congress  assembled,  That  in 
consideration  ©f  the  services  and  sacrifices  of  General  La  Fay- 
ette, in  the  war  of  the  revolution,  the  secretary  of  the  treasury 
be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  to  pay  to  him  the  sum  of  two 
hundred  thousand  dollars  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  not 
otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  there  be  granted  to 
the  said  Gen.  La  Fayette,  and  his  heirs,  one  township  of  land, 
to  be  laid  out  and  located  under  the  authority  of  the  president, 
in  any  of  the  unappropriated  lands  of  the  United  States. 

H.  CLAY, 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
JOHN  GAILLARD, 
President  of  the  Senate,  pro  tempore. 
Washington,  Dec.  28th,  1824 — Approved: 

JAMES  MONROE. 

This  grant,  liberal  as  it  is,  does  not  exceed  the  merits  of  the 
illustrious  patriot,  who  is  the  worthy  object  of  it,  or  the  wishes 
of  the  American  people;  it  is  worthy  the  national  justice  and 
munificence,  and  the  character  and  services  of  La  Fayette. — 
In  addition  to  this  and  the  grant  of  land  in  1 803,  already  alluded 
to,  in  1794,  when  he  was  persecuted  and  proscribed  at  home,  his 
estates  confiscated  and  his  family  impoverished;  when  he  was 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE,  573 

the  victim  of  the  vengeance  of  coalesced  kings,  he  was  not 
forgotten  in  America,  and  congress  granted  him  the  pay  of  a 
major-general,  for  the  period  of  his  service  in  the  army  of  the 
United  States;  he  having  declined  receiving  any  compensation 
at  the  time. 

General  La  Fayette  is  undoubtedly  the  most  interesting 
character  now  living;  and  with  the  exception  of  a  venerated 
name,  who  was  his  own  leader  and  guide — who  was  "First  in 
war,  first  in  peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen," 
probably  the  most  interesting  character  in  the  annals  of  history. 

His  services  for  America,  whether  we  consider  the  disinter- 
ested and  patriotic  motives  which  produced  them,  the  great 
individual  sacrifices  which  attended  them,  or  their  important 
consequences  to  the  sacred  cause  of  independence  and  liberty 
in  which  they  were  employed,  are  without  any  example,  and 
can  never  be  sufficiently  appreciated.  Whether  the  American 
colonies  alone,  and  unaided  by  any  foreign  assistance,  would 
have  been  able  to  have  sustained  themselves  in  the  mighty 
struggle  with  great  Britain,  and  to  have  established  their  inde- 
pendence, must  now  for  ever  remain  a  problem ;  but  it  is  evident 
that  the  war  could  not  have  been  brought  to  a  conclusion  at  the 
time  and  manner  it  was;  for,  to  say  nothing  about  the  assistance 
of  the  French  troops,  amounting  to  above  seven  thousand,  the 
successful  operations  at  Yorktown,  which  so  gloriously  termi- 
nated the  war,  were  entirely  dependent  on  the  co-operation  of 
the  French  fleet.  It  was  the  assistance  of  France,  that  brought 
the  revolutionary  struggle  to  a  close,  and  how  far  we  are 
indebted  to  General  La  Fayette  for  that  assistance,  cannot  now 
well  be  determined;  but  it  is  a  position  by  no  means  extrav- 
agant, that  it  is  to  his  exertions  and  influence,  directly  and 
indirectly,  that  we  are  to  attribute  the  assistance  afforded 
America  by  France. 

General  La  Fayette  possesses  the  highest  and  most  honorable 
character  which  has  ever  adorned  human  nature,  that  of  a 
distinguished,  consistent,  and  undeviating  patriot  and  philan^ 
thropist — the  lover  of  liberty  and  the  friend  of  mankind. 


&74  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

The  subjoined  extract  from  Madame  de  Siael,  who  was  per* 
sonally  acquainted  with  all  the  distinguished  characters  who 
figured  in  the  French  revolution,  and  with  the  events  of  that 
important  epoch,  is  an  honorable  testimony  of  the  worth  and 
character  of  Gen.  La  Fayette: — 

"  M.  de  La  Fayette,  having  fought  from  his  early  youth  for 
the  cause  of  America,  had  early  become  imbued  with  the  prin- 
ciples of  liberty,  which  formed  the  basis  of  that  government. — 
If  he  made  mistakes  with  regard  to  the  French  revolution,  we 
are  to  ascribe  them  all  to  his  admiration  of  American  institutions, 
and  of  Washington,  the  hero,  citizen,  who  guided  the  first  steps 
of  that  nation  in  the  career  of  independence.  La  Fayette, 
young,  affluent,  of  noble  family,  and  beloved  at  home,  relin- 
quished all  these  advantages  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  to  serve 
beyond  the  ocean  in  the  cause  of  that  liberty,  the  love  of  which 
has  decided  every  action  of  his  life.  Had  he  had  the  happiness 
to  be  a  native  of  the  United  States,  his  conduct  would  have 
been  that  of  Washington:  the  same  disinterestedness,  the  same 
enthusiasm,  the  same  perseverance  in  their  opinions,  distin- 
guished each  of  these  generous  friends  of  humanity.  Had 
General  Washington  been,  like  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette, 
commander  of  the  National  Guards  of  Paris,  he  also  might 
have  found  it  impossible  to  control  the  course  of  circumstances; 
he  also  might  have  seen  his  efforts  baffled  by  the  difficulty  of 
being  at  once  faithful  to  his  engagements  to  the  king,  and  of 
establishing  at  the  same  time  the  liberty  of  his  country. 

"  M.  de  La  Fayette,  I  must  say,  has  a  right  to  be  considered 
as  a  true  republican:  none  of  the  vanities  of  his  rank  ever 
entered  his  head :  power,  the  effect  of  which  is  so  great  in 
France, had  no  ascendency  over  him:  the  desire  of  pleasing  in 
a  drawing-room  conversation,  did  not  with  him  influence  a  single 
phrase:  he  sacrificed  all  his  fortune  to  his  opinions,  with  the 
most  generous  indifference.  When  in  the  prison  of  Olmutz,  as 
when  at  the  height  of  his  influence,  he  was  equally  firm  in  his 
attachment  to  his  principles.  His  manner  of  seeing  and  acting 
is  open  and  direct.  Whoever  has  marked  his  conduct,  may 
foretell  with  certainty  what  he  will  do  on  any  particular  occasion . 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE.  575 

"His  political  feeling  is  that  of  a  citizen  of  the  United  States; 
and  even  his  person  is  more  English  than  French.  The  hatred, 
of  which  M.  La  Fayette  is  the  object,  has  never  embittered  his 
temper;  and  his  gentleness  of  soul  is  complete:  at  the  same 
time  nothing  has  ever  modified  his  opinions;  and  his  confidence 
in  the  triumph  of  liberty,  is  the  same  as  that  of  a  piois  man  in 
a  future  life.  These  sentiments,  so  contrary  to  the  selfish  cal- 
culations of  most  of  the  men  who  have  acted  a  part  in  France, 
may  appear  pitiable  in  the  eyes  of  some  persons — "it  is  so  silly," 
they  think,  "to  prefer  one's  country  to  one's  self;  not  to  change 
one's  party  when  that  party  is  worsted ;  in  short,  to  consider 
mankind,  not  as  cards  with  which  to  play  a  winning  game,  but 
as  the  sacred  objects  of  unlimited  sacrifices."  If  this  is  to  form 
the  charge  of  silliness,  would  that  it  were  but  once  merited  by 
our  men  of  talents! 

"It  is  a  singular  phenomenon,  that  such  a  character  as  that  of 
M.  de  La  Fayette,  should  have  appeared  in  the  foremost  rank 
of  the  French  noblesse;  but  he  can  neither  be  censured  or  ex- 
culpated with  impartiality,  without  being  acknowledged  to  be 
such  as  I  have  described  him.  It  then  becomes  easy  to  under- 
stand the  different  contrasts  which  naturally  arose  between  his 
disposition  and  situation.  Supporting  monarchy  more  from 
duty  than  attachment,  he  drew  involuntarily  towards  the  prin- 
ciples cf  the  democrats,  whom  he  was  obliged  to  resist;  and  a 
certain  kindness  for  the  advocates  of  the  republican  form,  was 
perceptible  in  him,  although  his  reflection  forbade  the  admis- 
sion of  their  system  into  France.  Since  the  departure  of  M. 
de  La  Fayette  for  America,  now  forty  years  ago,  we  cannot 
quote  a  single  action  or  a  single  word  of  his,  which  was  not  di- 
rect and  consistent.  Personal  interest  never  blended  itself  in 
the  least  with  his  public  conduct:  success  would  have  displayed 
such  sentiments  to  advantage;  but  they  claim  the  attention  of 
the  historian  in  spite  of  circumstance,  and  in  spite  of  faults, 
which  may  serve  as  a  handle  to  his  opponents." 

We  would  not  wish  to  write  an  eulogium  on  La  Fayette;  he« 
certainly  requires  none;  a  simple  relation  of  the  facts,  con- 
nected with  his  life  and  conduct,  is  the  highest  panegyric  that 


516  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

can  be  bestowed  on  him;  the  faithful  page  of  history  will  be  the 
proudest  monument  of  his  fame,  and  sufficiently  substantial  to 
sustain  all  the  laurels  that  adorn  his  name.  It  is  not  on  the  ex- 
traordinary talents  he  has  displayed,  or  the  brilliancy  of  any 
particular  action  or  event;  it  is  not  on  the  number  of  pitched 
battles  he  has  fought,  or  the  victories  he  has  won,  that  his  repu- 
tation depends.  It  rests  on  a  more  substantial  and  noble  basis 
— private  worth  and  public  virtue.  There  have  been  greater 
generals  and  orators  in  almost  every  age;  and  there  were  many 
greater,  at  least  more  fortunate,  among  the  distinguished  char- 
acters which  the  memorable  revolution  in  his  own  country  called 
forth.  But  the  powers  of  his  mind,  and  the  adequacy  of  his 
talents  to  any  service,  whether  in  the  civil  or  military  concerns 
of  government,  are  sufficiently  established  from  the  fact,  that 
he  sustained  the  very  first  rank,  and  perhaps  more  influence  than 
any  other  individual,  among  that  brilliant  galaxy  of  genius  and 
talents  which  irradiated  the  horizon  of  France  during  the  early 
part  of  the  French  revolution.  To  be  in  the  first  rank,  if  not 
the  very  first,  among  such  an  assemblage  of  learning  and  elo- 
quence, is  sufficient  to  establish  his  claim  to  superiority.  But 
it  is  certain  that  in  the  progress  of  the  revolution,  there"  ap- 
peared individuals  possessed  of  greater  learning  and  talents; 
greater  orators,  statesmen,  and  warriors;  yet,  nevertheless,  there 
is  no  one  who  has  gone  through  that  mighty  ordeal  with  a  re- 
putation that  will  in  any  respect  compare  with  his.  It  is  true 
that  many  of  the  greatest  and  best  men  were  cut  oflf  by  the 
guillotine;  but  of  those  who  survived  the  restoration  of  the 
Bourbons,  which  ended  the  revolutionary  period,  La  Fayette 
seems  to  have  been  almost  the  only  one,  among  the  distinguished 
actors,  who  has  passed  through  this  long  and  eventful  period, 
so  fruitful  in  dangers  and  trials,  with  an  unsullied  reputation; 
who  ended  with  the  same  principles  with  which  they  com- 
menced, and  maintained  n  perfect  consistency  of  character.  If 
there  is  any  other,  it  must  be  Carnot;  and  he  yielded,  in  some 
measure,  to  the  usurpation  of  Bonaparte,  but  not  until  his 
country  was  about  to  be  invaded  by  foreign  armies,  which 
threatened  a  greater  evil  to  France,  and  obstacle  to  the  liber 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE}.  577 

ties  of  the  people,  than  existed  in  the  despotism  of  Napoleon. 
hy  the  restoration  of  the  Bourbons. 

La  Fayette  possessed  the  same  political  principles,  the  same 
attachment  to  freedom,  the  same  sacred  regard  to  the  rights 
of  the  people,  and  steady  adherence  to  the  cardinal  bases  of 
civil  liberty,  resting  on  free  institutions,  under  all  circumstan- 
ces, on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic;  as  a  volunteer  in  the  strug- 
gle of  a  distant  and  alien  people  for  their  political  rights;  in 
the  mighty  contest  in  his  native  country  against  oppression;  in 
success  and  a  popularity  never  equalled;  in  the  sudden  loss  of 
that  popularity,  followed  by  proscription  and  exile;  and  he  has 
exhibited  the  same  confidence  in  his  principles  and  professions, 
the  same  integrity  of  purpose,  in  glory  and  in  suffering,  in  pop- 
ularity and  power,  and  in  proscription  and  disgrace.  When  di- 
recting the  revolution  or  the  victim  of  its  injustice  and  vio- 
lence, he  "has  maintained  the  same  tone,  the  same  air,  the 
same  open  confidence  amidst  the  ruins  of  the  Bastile,  in  the 
Champ  de  Mars,  under  the  despotism  of  Bonaparte,  and  in  the 
dungeons  of  Olmutz."  It  is  the  character  of  a  consistent,  uni- 
form, and  incorruptible  patriot,  or  rather  the  services  he  has  per- 
formed, and  the  sacrifices  he  has  made,  which  afford  the  evi- 
dence of  this  character,  on  which  the  magnificent  fabric  of  his 
repuiation  rests;  this  is  a  foundation  which  time  will  not  im- 
pair; and  the  fame  which  it  supports,  undimmed  by  age,  will 
shine  brighter  and  brighter,  as  long  as  liberty  has  an  abode  on 
earth,  or  virtue  is  revered. 

It  must  be  admitted  that  La  Fayette,  like  most  others,  is  in 
some  degree  indebted  to  fortune,  for  his  extraordinary  character. 
He  lived  in  the  most  eventful  period,  and  one  the  most  impor- 
tant to  the  destinies  of  mankind,  comprising  that  portion  of  time 
when  philosophy,  applied  to  the  nature  and  end  of  government, 
made  mankind  acquainted  with  their  political  rights,  and  in 
which,  as  a  consequence  thereof,  the  great  struggle,  so  interest- 
ing to  the  human  race,  commenced  between  the  oppressors  and 
the  oppressed;  between  the  people,  for  the  right  of  self-govern- 
ment, and  those  who  claim  the  prerogative  of  governing  them, 
according  to"  legitimate"  principles:  who  claim  an  interest  and 

73 


#3  8  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

inheritance  in  them;  a  struggle  which  has  been  crowned  with 
success  in  America,  made  great  progress  in  Europe,  and  which 
will  not  cease,  although  it  may  be  apparently  suppressed  until 
all  the  nations  of  that  portion  of  the  earth  shall  become  free. 

Among  all  the  individuals,  who  have  taken  a  distinguished 
part  in  the  events  of  this  period,  no  man,  it  is  believed,  with 
one  illustrious  exception,  will  leave  a  reputation  so  dear  to  the 
friends  of  freedom,  as  La  Fayette.  And  in  one  respect,  his 
character  has  no  example:  he  alone, during  this  important  epoch, 
has  acted  a  distinguished  part  in  two  hemispheres,  and  exerted 
a  leading  and  contrblling  influence  in  the  two  mighty  revolu- 
tions by  which  this  period  is  distinguished,  which,  from  their 
moral  and  political  influence,  are  the  most  important  events  in 
the  annals  of  the  world.  To  have  acted  an  important  part  in 
one,  and  a  commanding  part  in  the  other,  of  the  two  most  con- 
spicuous struggles  for  liberty  which  have  ever  occurred,  is  a 
circumstance  so  extraordinary  as  would  of  itself  confer  great 
celebrity:  but  to  have  acted  from  the  purest  and  most  disinter- 
ested patriotism:  to  have  sacrificed  a  princely  fortune;  to  have 
been  the  victim  of  injustice  and  proscription,  for  a  faithful  ad-  , 
herence  to  principle ;  to  have  endured  the  severest  sufferings ;  and 
to  have  passed  through  these  momentous  struggles,  abounding 
in  difficulties  and  trials,  with  perfect  consistency  of  principle, 
a  steady  adherence  to  his  original  objects,  and  without  a  stain 
on  his  escutcheon,  is  what  constitute  the  chief  glory  and  renown 
of  the  man  who  is  the  subject  of  these  remark^. 

Who  has  done  more,  who  has  suffered  more,  in  the  cause  of 
freedom?  Who  has  been  more  consistent  and  uniform  in  the 
pursuit  of  the  only  worthy  object  of  human  ambition,  that  of 
benefiting  mankind?  And,  notwithstanding  the  failure  of  the 
immediate  object  of  the  struggle  in  France,  it  may  also  be  asked, 
avIio  has  accomplished  more  in  this  sacrsd  cause?  To  whom, 
then,  is  the  world  more  indebted?  Who  ought  to  be  more 
revered  by  the  friends  of  liberty?  Not  only  the  prime  of  his 
days,  but  his  early  youth  and  declining  years  have  been  de- 
voted to  subserve  the  interests  of  humanity.  The  glowing  pa- 
triotism of  the  young  volunteer  of  nineteen,  was  matured  by  lus 


MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETT&  ?39 

Meridian  sun,  and  is  now  scarcely  less  ardent,  under  the  chilling; 
influence  of  age.  The  corrupting  influence  of  a  long  partici- 
pation in  public  affairs,  and  the  cold,  calculating  policy  of  age, 
have  produced  no  effect  on  him.  Neither  triumphs  nor  suffer- 
ings, the  rage  and  persecutions  of  demagogues,  or  the  cruelties 
of  despots,  the  temptations  of  power,  or  the  provocation  of  un- 
just suffering,  have  had  any  influence  on  his  principles.  He  is 
the  same  patriot  now,  and  almost  as  sanguine  in  his  hopes,  as 
when  fighting  the  battles  of  America,  or  directing  the  French 
revolution,  literally  "a  tempestuous  sea  of  liberty."  After 
nearly  half  a  century,  devoted  to  the  interests  of  humanity  and 
the  cause  of  civil  liberty,  in  two  hemispheres,  he  may  well  be 
regarded  as  the  "veteran  patriot,"  and  as  the  "great  apostle  of 
liberty." 

Since  he  has  been  among  us,  in  his  answers  to  public  ad- 
dresses, and  in  the  toasts  he  has  given  at  public  entertainments, 
we  perceive  the  same  principles,  the  same  love  of  liberty,  and 
apparently,  the  same  confidence  in  its  ultimate  triumph,  not 
only  in  France,  but  throughout  Europe,  which  influenced  his 
conduct  through  a  long  and  active  life.  It  is  true  he  has  not 
since  his  return  to  France,  taken  an  active  part  to  promote  the 
freedom  of  his  country;  he  has  not  attempted  to  make  himself 
a  tribune  of  the  people,  or  to  stir  up  commotions,  being  as  little 
inclined  to  faction  as  to  despotism;  and  he'has  believed  that  nei- 
ther the  military  usurpation  of  Bonaparte,  nor  a  revival  of  the 
feudal  despotism  by  the  Bourbons,  afforded  favorable  oppportu- 
nities  to  attempt  to  combine  the  elements  of  freedom,  which 
exist  in  France;  he  has  been  contented  to  wait  the  slow,  but 
sure  progress  of  public  opinion,  being  persuaded  that  the  ope- 
ration of  this  would  not  fail  in  due  time  of  producing  the  eman- 
cipation of  his  country.  To  this  event,  as  Madame  de  Stael 
has  well  observed,  "he  looks  forward  with  the  same  hope,  the 
same  consoling  confidence,  as  a  pious  man  docs  to  a  future  state 
of  existence  and  felicity." 

Such  is  the  life  and  character  of  the  man  who  is  now  on  a 
visit  to  the  United  States,  as  the  "guest  of  the  nation,"  aud  on 
the  invitation  of  the  nation;  but,  although  it  is  the  same  nation, 
it  is  not  the  same  people  with  whom  he  fought  and  bled:  almost 


580  MARQUIS  DE  LA  FAYETTE. 

the  entire  population,  then  on  the  stage,  has  past  away;  the  ten 
millions  of  freemen,  which  greeted  his  arrival,  and  who,  wher> 
ever  he  goes,  offer  him  the  sincere  tribute  of  grateful  hearts, 
nearly  all  belong  to  a  new  generation,  which  have  come  on  the 
stage  of  action,  since  that  great  struggle,  in  which  he  acted  so 
prominent  and  useful  a  part.  It  cannot,  certainly,  be  a  matter 
of  surprise,  that  there  is  an  universal  interest  and  curiosity  man- 
ifested  to  see  such  an  individual — a  man  who  has  acted  a  prom- 
inent part  in  the  most  important  concerns  and  events  of  half  a 
century  past — To  see  such  a  character  is,  as  was  remarked  by 
Mr.  Speaker  Clay,  "like  seeing  and  conversing  with  one  from 
the  dead:"  is  as  beholding  one  of  the  grave  actors  in  the  great 
events  of  which  history  informs  us ;  it  is  almost  the  same  as  would 
be  the  appearance  of  one  of  Plutarch's  heroes  on  ,the  earth. 
These  considerations  alone  are  sufficient  to  render  him  an  ob- 
ject of  the  greatest  curiosity  and  interest;  but  it  is  not  from 
these  circumstances  that  he  is  welcomed  and  greeted  with  the 
admiration  and  gratitude  of  the  entire  population  of  the  country ; 
these  feelings  proceed  from  causes  that  make  a  deeper  and  more 
lasting  impression  on  the  heart;  from  his  character  as  a  disin- 
terested and  distinguished  patriot  and  sincere  friend  of  liberty; 
but  chiefly  from  his  having  been  the  benefactor  of  America,  and 
having  devoted  his  fortune  and  his  blood  to  establish  its  inde- 
pendence and  freedom,  the  acknowledged  sources  from  whence 
flow  the  fertilizing  streams  of  public  and  private  prosperity, 
which  happily  distinguish  our  country  above  all  others  on  earth. 
General  La  Fayette  constantly  speaks  of  himself  as  an 
American  citizen,  which  it  is  well  known  he  is;  and  he  has  ex- 
hibited abundant  proof  that  he  takes  as  lively  and  deep  interest 
as  any  native  citizen  can  do,  in  the  success  of  our  institutions 
and  the  prosperity  of  the  country;  and  it  has  even  been  suppo- 
sed that  he  intends  to  spend  the  remainder  of  his  days  here; 
but  he  has  given  no  such  intimation,  nor  is  it  probable;  for  how- 
ever much  more  interest  he  may  feel,  in  the  institutions,  and 
even  in  the  people  of  his  adopted,  than  in  those  of  his  native 
country,  it  is  natural  that  he  should  wish  to  close  the  evening 
of  his  life  in  the  midst  of  his  numerous  descendants,  and  to  leave 
his  bones  to  repose  with  those  of  his  ancestors. 


BIOGRAPHY 


OP 

OFFICERS  FROM  FOREIGN  COUNTRIES. 

COMMISSIONED    BY    CONGRESS. 


KOSCIUSKO 

The  American  revolutionary  contest  is  memorable,  for  having 
called  into  its  service  the  aid  of  many  distinguished  foreigners, 
soldiers  of  liberty,  and  volunteers  in  the  cause  of  an  oppressed 
people,  struggling  to  defend  their  liberties.  Among  the  most 
celebrated  of  these,  was  Kosciusko,  one  of  the  first  and  bravest 
of  the  Polish  patriots.  Although  it  does  not  appear  that  he  per- 
formed much,  or  any  very  important  service,  in  the  American 
war,  yet  from  his  distinguished  character  as  a  patriot,  and  the 
noble  struggles  he  has  made,  in  defence  of  the  independence  of 
his  own  country,  and  to  realize  the  last  hopes  of  its  friends,  a 
sketch  of  his  life  cannot  but  be  interesting,  and  properly  belongs 
to  a  work  containing  the  memoirs  of  the  military  heroes  cf  the 
American  revolutionary  war.  This  high-minded  patriot  was 
first  distinguished  in  the  war  which  terminated  in  the  first  dis- 
memberment of  Poland  by  Russia,  Austria,  and  Prussia. 

Poland  had  long  been  distracted  with  dissensions,  often  break- 
ing out  into  civil  war;  and  particularly  since  the  conquest  of  the 
country  by  Charles  XII.  of  Sweden,  which  led  to  the  interference 
of  Russia,  and  afterward  that  dangerous  neighbor  always  had  a 
strong  party  in  Poland,  and  generally  a  controlling  influence! 
Charles  XII.  conquered  Augustus,  and  compelled  him  to  abdi- 
cate in  favor  of  Stanislaus  Lcczinski,  whom  he  had  previously 
caused  to  be  elected  king.  The  armies  of  the  Czar,  which  Au- 
gustus had  availed  himself  of,  had  not  been  sufficient  to  save  him 
from  this  humiliating  result.     The  battle  of  Pultowa  overthrew 


>  v_'  KOSCIUSKO. 

the  power  of  Charles;  and  Augustus  was  restored  by  the  aid  of 
Russia,  the  latter  taking  care  to  be  well  paid  for  its  friendly  in- 
terference. During  the  reign  of  this  prince,  and  his  son,  Augus- 
tus II.  Poland  was  little  better  than  a  Russian  province,  sur- 
rounded by  Russian  troops ;  and  the  country  torn  to  pieces  by 
contentions  among  the  nobles,  they  were  kept  on  the  throne  only 
by  the  power  of  Russia. 

On  the  death  of  Augustus  II*  in  1764,  Catharine  II.  Empress 
of  Russia,  compejled  the  Diet  to  elect  Stanislaus  Poniatowski,  a 
Pole  of  noble  rank,  who  had  resided  for  some  time  at  Peters- 
burgh,  and  made  himself  agreeable  to  the  empress,  who  sup- 
posed that  his  election  would  promote  the  influence  and  de- 
signs of  Russia.  This  increased  the  disorders,  and  inflamed  the 
rage  of  the  two  great  parties*,  the  Russian  and  anti-Russian,  to- 
wards each  other.  At  this  time*,  to  their  political  causes  of  dis- 
sension, were  added  those  of  religion.  The  Protestants,  who  in 
Poland  were  called  dissidents,  had  long  been  tolerated,  but  still 
Buffered  under  many  civil  disabilities^  which  were  greatly  in- 
creased by  a  decree  that  was  passed  during  the  interregnum 
that  preceded  the  election  of  Poniatowski.  They  were,  in  a 
great  measure,  denied  the  free  exercise  of  religious  worship, 
and  excluded  from  all  political  privileges.  This  unjust  and  im- 
politic measure  roused  the  spirit  of  the  Protestants;  they  pe* 
titioned  and  remonstrated;  they  applied  to  the  courts  of  Russia. 
Prussia,  Great  Britain,  and  Denmark,  all  of  which  remonstra- 
ted to  the  government  of  Poland,  but  without  any  essential  ef- 
fect. Some  unimportant  concessions  were  made,  which  did  not 
satisfy  the  dissidents,  who  were  determined  to  maintain  their 
rights  with  their  blood,  being  encouraged  to  this  determination 
by  assurance  of  support  from  Russia,  Austria,  and  Prussia. 
The  Catholics  were  not  behind  their  opponents  in  preparations 
for  war,  and  the  "  Confederation  of  the  Barr"  formed  the  bul- 
wark of  their  strength  and  hopes.  With  both  parties,  religion 
and  liberty  became  the  watchword  and  a  signal  for  war.  The 
confederates,  as  the  Catholics  were  denominated,  not  only  wished 
to  overcome  their  opponents,  but  to  dethrone  Stanislaus,  and 
rescue  the  country  from  the  influence  of  Russia.     This  despe- 


KOSCIUSKO.  583 

rate  civil  war  was  very  gratifying  to  the  ambitious  neighbours 
of  Poland,  who,  a  considerable  time  before,  had  entered  into  a 
secret  treaty  for  the  conquest  and  partition  of  Poland.  The 
armies  of  Russia,  Prussia,  and  Austria  invaded  the  country  in 
various  directions,  and  siezed  on  different  provinces. 

The  confederates,  or  the  anti-Russian  party,  comprising  most 
of  the  distinguished  Poli«h  patriots,  made  a  resolute  and  deter- 
mined struggle;  but,  being  feebly  supported  by  Saxony  and 
France,  and  having  to  contend  with  numerous  forces  of  the  coa- 
lition which  invaded  the  country,  as  well  as  those  of  their  oppo- 
nents at  home,  they  were  defeated  in  every  quarter,  and  the 
country  left  a  prey  to  the  three  roj^al  plunderers.  They  issued 
a  manifesto,  declaring  that  the  dissensions  and  disorders  of  Po- 
land had  rendered  their  interference  necessary,  and  that  they 
had  adopted  combined  measures  for  the  re-establishment  of  good 
order  in  Poland,  and  the  settlement  of  its  ancient  constitution, 
and  to  secure  the  national  and  popular  liberties  of  the  people 
on  a  solid  basis.  But  the  security  and  protection  which  they 
afforded  to  unhappy  Poland,  was  like  that  which  the  wolf  af- 
fords to  tlie  lamb,  and  the  tears  they  shed  over  her  misfortunes, 
were  like  those  of  the  crocodile  when  preying  on  its  victim. 
Instead  of  securing  the  rights  of  the  dissidents,  which  was  the 
professed  object  of  the  war,  the  combined  sovereigns  thought, 
only  of  aggrandizing  themselves;  and,  after  great  difficulty, 
they  finally  succeeded  in  dividing  the  spoil,  a  treaty  for  the  par- 
tition of  Poland  being  concluded  at  Petersburgh,  in  February, 
1772.  Russia  took  a  large  proportion  of  the  eastern  provinces;' 
Austria  appropriated  to  herself  a  fertile  tract  on  the  southwest, 
and  Prussia  the  commercial  district  in  the  northwest,  including 
the  lower  part  of  Vistula;  leaving  only  the  central  provinces, 
comprising  Warsaw  and  Cracow,  the  modern  and  ancient  capi- 
tal. Thus  was  Poland  despoiled  by  three  royal  robbers,  which 
Europe  witnessed,  not  without  astonishment,  but  without  any 
effectual  interference.  The  courts  of  London,  Paris,  Stockholm, 
and  Copenhagen,  remonstrated  against  this  violent  usurpation, 
which  probably  had  as  much  effect  as  was  expected — none 
at  all. 


.)tsi  KOSCIUSKO. 

In  this  unjust  and  cruel  war,  Kosciusko  had  taken  an  activt 
and  zealous  part  in  defence  of  the  independence  of  his  country ; 
but  his  patriotism  and  exertions  were  unavailing;  the  patriotic 
Poles  could  not  resistthe  power  of  faction  and  the  invading  armies 
of  three  formidable  neighbours.  To  strengthen  their  acquisi- 
tions, the  allied  powers  insisted  on  Stanislaus  convoking  a  diet  to 
sanction  the  partition;  and,  notwithstanding  the  influence  of 
three  powerful  armies,  the  diet  refused  to  ratify  this  injustice  for 
a  considerable  time ;  but,  by  promises  of  favours,  and  by  profuse 
use  of  money  among  the  members,  together  with  the  influence 
of  military  force,  a  majority  of  six  in  the  senate,  and  of  one  in 
the  assembly,  was  at  length  obtained  in  favour  of  the  iniquitous 
measure,  and  commissioners  were  appointed  to  adjust  the  terms 
of  the  partition.  This  completed  the  humiliation  and  degrada- 
tion of  Poland,  and  occasioned  many  of  her  most  distinguished 
patriots  to  leave  their  dismembered  and  unhappy  count.iy.  This 
took  place  in  May,  1773.  Kosciusko  was  among  those  who  re- 
tired from  the  country. 

The  war  that  broke  out  between  the  American  colonies  and 
Great  Britain,  opened  a  field  for  military  adventurers  from  Eu- 
rope, it  being  supposed  that  America  was  destitute  of  men  of 
military  science  and  experience,  and  being  justly  regarded  as  a 
contest  for  liberty,  between  an  infant  people,  few  in  number,  and 
with  feeble  means,  and  the  most  powerful  nation  on  earth,  many 
patriots  of  the  old  world  repaired  to  America  as  volunteers  in 
the  cause  of  freedom.  The  first  events  and  successes  of  the 
contest,  and  the  dignified  attitude  assumed  by  the  solemn  decla- 
ration of  independence,  produced  the  most  favourable  impres- 
sion abroad,  which  brought  many  distinguised  foreigners  to  our 
shores  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  1777.  The  distinguished 
Polish  patriot,  who  is  the  subject  of  this  brief  notice,  and  his 
countryman,  Count  Pulaski,  were  among  the  number.  It  is  not 
known  at  what  time  either  of  them  arrived,  but  it  is  believed  it 
was  early  in  the  year  '77,  as  the  latter  was  present  and  distin- 
guished himself  in  the  battle  of  Brandy  wine.  So  many  foreign- 
ers of  distinction  arrived,  that  Congress  was  embarrassed  in  giv- 
ing them  employment,  corresponding  with  their  expectations' 


KOSCItfSKO.  585 

und  rank;  and,  from  the  commissions  which  were  given  to  for^ 
eigners,  disagreeabte  jealousies  were  produced  among  the 
native  officers  of  the  continental  arm)'.  Kosciusko,  like  the 
Marquis  de  la  Fayette  and  others,  had  been  influenced  wholly 
by  patriotic  motives  and  an  ardent  attachment  to  liberty;  he 
had  no  occasion  to  acquire  military  fame,  and  he  possessed  a 
soul  which  raised  him  infinitely  above  becoming  a  mercenary 
soldier.  He  wanted  neither  rank  nor  emolument;  his  object 
was  to  serve  the  cause,  not  to  serve  himself.  He  however  recei- 
ved  a  Colonel's  commission,  and  was  employed  under  General 
Greene,  in  the  southern  campaign  of '81.  In  the  attack  on 
Ninety-Six,  a  very  strong  post  of  the  enemy  in  South  Carolina, 
Kosciusko  being  a  skilful  engineer,  Greene  intrusted  to  him  the 
important  duty  of  preparing  and  constructing  Uio  works  for  the 
siege.  He  continued  in  the  service  until  after  the  capture  of 
Cornwallis  at  Yorktown,  which  terminated  all  the  important 
operations  of  the  war. 

On  leaving  America,  Kosciusko  returned  to  his  native  country, 
where  he  exerted  himself  for  the  improvement  of  the  political 
condition  of  his  countrymen,  and  promoting  the  general  pros* 
perity.  Stanislaus  exerted  himself  to  improve  what  territory 
was  left  him  by  his  friendly  neighbours;  a  taste  for  agriculture 
was  cherished,  the  condition  of  the  peasantry,  who  had  been  so 
long  enslaved  and  degraded,  was  raised,  and  a  national  system 
of  education  established.  But  the  most  important  improve- 
ment was  in  the  constitution  of  the  state.  The  disorders  and 
factions  which  had  so  long  and  so  unhappily  prevailed,  had 
convinced  all  enlightened  patriots,  that  the  existing  constitution 
was  the  fertile  source  of  their  internal  dissensions;  and  that  it 
was  incompatible  with  the  tranquility  or  prosperity  of  the 
Country.  After  repeated  attempts,  the  diet  in  1791,  succeeded 
hi  establishing  a  new  constitution,  on  just  and  liberal  principles* 
so  wisely  framed  that  Mr.  Burke  commended  it,  by  saying  that 
the  condition  of  all  was  mado  better,  and  the  rights  of  none 
Infringed. 

But  the  prosperity  and  hopes  which  these  improvements 
were  calculated  to  afford^  were  soon  dissipated..     Pefand  waj? 

74 


3$6  KOSCIUSKO 

again  destined  to  become  the  victim  of  the  "she  bear"  of  the 
north.  A  few  of  the  nobles,  disaffected  at  the  new  constitution, 
which  had  deprived  them  of  some  of  their  privileges, presented 
their  complaints  to  the  court  of  Petersburgh,  which,  glad  of  a 
pretext  for  interfering  in  the  affairs  of  Poland,  immediately 
marched  a  numerous  army  into  the  country,  for  the  ostensible 
object  of  re-establishing  the  constitution  of  1772.  But  the  real 
designs  of  Russia  were  too  apparent  to  be  mistaken;  and  the 
Poles  did  not  delay  in  making  preparations  for  hostilities.  This 
base  aggression,  and  the  remembrance  of  her  former  rapacity, 
aroused  the  natidn  to  a  sense  of  its  danger;  all  dissensions  and 
animosities  were  forgotten  in  the  common  struggle;  a  spirit 
worthy  the  occasion  was  excited,  and  every  class  and  rank  were 
resolved  to  conquer  or  die  in  defence  of  the  independence  and 
liberties  of  their  country*,  The  nobles  presented  their  plate  and 
valuable  jewels  to  enrich  the  treasury,  and  afford  the  means  of 
carrying  on  the  war.  The  prince  Poniatowski,  nephew  of  the 
king,  and  Kosciusko,  were  at  the  head  of  the  armies,  and  disr- 
played  prodigies  of  valour.  But  with  all  their  exertions,  bravery, 
and  perseverance,  they  were  unable  to  resist  the  power  of 
Russia,  whose  armies  were  almost  every  where  successful.  And 
being  threatened  by  the  empress  with  a  devastation  of  the 
country,  if  he  made  further  resistance,  and  that  she  would 
double  her  present  force,  Stanislaus,  to  prevent  further  effusion 
of  blood,  surrendered  at  discretion,  and  was  conveyed  to  Grodno^ 
to  await  the  decision  of  the  conqueror.  Neither  the  king  nor 
the  nation  were  long  kept  in  suspense,  for  soon  the  courts  of 
Russia  and  Prflssia  promulgated  a  manifesto,  declaring  their 
intention  of  annexing  to  their  dominions  several  of  the  adjoining 
provinces  of  Poland.     This  was  early  in  the  year  1793. 

Not  satisfied  with  their  former  spoliations,  the  King  of  Prussia 
and  Empress  of  Russia  resolved  to  lighten  the  burdens  of  gov- 
ernment, which  tney  believed  too  heavy  for  Stanislaus  to  sustain, 
by  a  second  partition  of  his  kingdom.  Accordingly  the  latter 
seized  on  the  country  from  the  Dwina  to  the  Neister;  and  assu- 
ming the  civil  government  of  the  territory,  the  inhabitants  were 
ordered  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  her  Imperial  Majesty. 


KOSCIUSKO.  o87  - 

or  abandon  the  conquered  district;  and  the  King  of  Prussia, not 
to  be  behind  his  ally  in  a  neighborly  regard  for  Poland,  wrested 
from  it  several  provinces,  besides  the  cities  of  Dantzic  and 
Thorn.     These  high  handed  depredations  were  made  with  the 
assent  of  the  Emperor  of  Austria,  and  pretended  to  be  neces-- 
sary  precautions  against  the  contagion  of  jacobinal  principles* 
which  might  otherwise   infect  their  dominions  bordering  on 
Poland.     Again  a  diet  was  convoked,  and  compelled.,  by  military 
power  to  sanction  this  second  partition  of  the  Polish  dominions. 
The  Russian  ambassador  informed  the  diet,  "  that  to  prevent 
any  kind  of  disorder,  he  had  caused  two  battalions  of  grenadiers, 
with  four  pieces  of  cannon,  to  surround  the  castle  to  secure  the 
tranquility  of  their  deliberations."     But  although  the  country 
had  been  rent  in  pieces,  the  spirit  of  the  nation  was  not  dcsr- 
troyed;  and  as  long  as  a  particle  remained,  such  injustice  and 
violence  was  calculated  to  call  it  into  action.     The  nation  was 
roused,  and  the  patriotism  of  the  Polish  nobles  was  once  more 
called  forth.     It  was  readily  perceived  that  nothing  could  be 
done  without  a  leader,  and  the  eyes  of  all  were  directed  to  Kos- 
ciusko, who  had  taken  refuge  in  Saxony,  with  Potocki,  Kolontay 
and  Zajonzek.     These    four  resolute  patriots  rejoiced  at  the 
spirttof  resistance  to  oppression  which  was  roused  among  their 
countrymen,  and  were  prepared  to  exert  all  their  energies,  and 
to  shed  the  last  drop  of  their  blood,  for  the  independence  and 
freedom  of  their  oppressed  and  much  injured  country.    Zajonzek 
was  despatched  to  Warsaw,  to  learn  the  state  of  affairs,  to  confer 
with  the  chief  malecontents,  and  concert  the  plan  of  operations. 
And  in  the  mean  time  Kosciusko  repaired  to  the  frontiers,  and 
anxiously  waited  the  result  of  this  mission.     It  was  determined 
to  make  an  attempt  to  rescue  the  country  from  the  slavery  of 
Russian  domination;  but  suspicions  of  the  design  having  been 
excited,  it  was  thought  advisable  that  no  movements  should  be 
made  at  that  time.  Kosciusko  retired  to  Italy  for  greater  safety, 
where  he  was  soon  joined  by  Zajonzek,  who  had  been  banished 
from  the  Polish  territories  as  a  promoter  of  sedition.     He  in- 
formed Kosciusko,  that  his  countrymen  were  ripe  for  a  revolt} 
.arid  that  they  wished  to  have  him  appear,  without  delay,  as  a. 


5&3  KOSCIUSKQ. 

more  favorable  opportunity  would  not  occur.  The  ambitious 
designs  of  Russia  were  no  longer  concealed :  the  ambassador  of 
the  empress  ordered  the  constitution  of  1791  annulled,  and  the 
military  force  of  Poland  reduced  to  16,000  men,  thus  intending 
to  deprive  the  nation  of  all  power  of  resistance.  The  patriotic 
Mondalinski,  placing  himself  at  their  head,  the  troops  were 
invincible  and  refused  to  lay  down  "their  arms.  The  spirit  of 
resistance  was  spread  through  the  country,  and  the  ardour  of  the 
nation  roused  to  the  highest  pitch.  The  Russians  to  enforce 
their  mandates,  sent  a  numerous  army  into  the  country,  whose 
ruthless  conduct  drove  the  Poles  to  desperation.  The  peasantry 
were  compelled  to  feed,  lodge,  and  convey  their  enemies  from 
place  to  place,  without  compensation,  and  thus  to  bec@me  the 
instruments  of  enslaving  their  own  country.  This  severe  and 
cruel  treatment  exasperated  the  public  feeling,  a*nd  the  spirit  of 
revenge  and  resistance  became  inveterate  and  universal. 

At  this  time,  the  great  patriot  and  hero  to  whom  all  looked 
as  a  leader,  appeared,  and  was  immediately  appointed  general- 
issimo of  the  patriot  army,  and  chief  of  the  confederacy.  He 
took  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  nation,  and  of  adherence  to  the 
act  of  insurrection  by  which  war  was  declared  against  the 
ruthless  invaders  of  the  rights  and  independence  of  Poland. — 
Like  Washington,  he  had  conferred  on  him  such  ample  powers* 
as,  in  the  possession  of  any  other  man,  would  have  been  a  source 
of  jealousy  if  not  of  real  danger;  but  his  country  had  the  mosf 
unbounded  confidence  in  Kosciusko,  which  was  not  misplaced. 
He  issued  a  proclamation,  containing  an  appeal  to  every  rank 
and  class  of  the  people,  to  rally  round  the  standard  of  their 
country  and  of  freedom,  and  to  break  the  chains  which  enslaved 
them,  or  perish  in  the  attempt.  This  appeal  was  not  made  iii 
vain:  he  was  soon  surrounded  by  a  large  number  of  armed 
peasantry;  and  the  nobility  having  proclaimed  the  constitution 
of  1791,  departed  to  their  respective  estates,  to  bring  their  vasJ 
§als  into  the  field.  The  Russians  were  soon  driven  out  of  Crar 
cow,  which  became  the  head  quarters  of  the  patriot  army.  A 
Russian  force  of  6,000  men  marching  toward  Cracow,  under  Gen. 
T^ononzow,  to  attack  Uje  patriots,  was  engaged  by  theJT  brave 


KOSCIUSKO.  539 

leader,  and  defeated  with  the  loss  of  1000  men,  and  eleven 
pieces  of  cannon,  and  their  general  made  prisoner.  This  splen- 
did success  became  the  signal  for  general  hostilities,  and  had 
the  most  favorable  influence.  The  Russian  general,  Igelstrom, 
attempted  to  make  himself  master  of  the  arsenal  at  Warsaw, 
but  was  resolutely  repelled  by  the  inhabitants,  who  after  a. 
bloody  contest  of  three  days,  drove  the  Russians  from  the  city 
with  the  loss  of  more  than  fifteen  hundred  men.  The  enemy 
retired  to  the  camp  of  the  Prussian  general  Wolki. 

In  other  towns  the  inhabitants  displayed  similar  bravery  and 
resolution,  and  in  many  their  exertions  were  successful.  These 
successes  served  to  iuspire  confidence,  and  to  animate  the  most 
desponding;  the  whole  country  was  soon  in  arms,  and  G0,000 
troops  were  in  the  field,  exclusive  of  the  peasantry,  who  were 
armed  with  pikes.  These  movements  filled  with  astonishment 
the  courtsof  Petersburgh  and  Berlin,  who  had  flattered  them- 
selves that  Poland  was  so  far  humblcd,and  the  spirit  of  the  nation 
«&  bFoken,that  it  had  no  longer  the  power  to  make  any  resistance. 
Being  exasperated  at  this  unexpected  resistance,  Catharine  and 
Frederick  made  great  exertions  to  overcome  the  insurgents,  as 
they  called  them,and  to  defend  the  country  they  had  forcibly  an- 
nexed to  their  own  dominions.  These  two  powers  marched  1 1 0,- 
^0.0  meninto  Poland, all  regularand  well-disciplined  troops,  which 
gave  them  a  decided  superiority.  Kosciusko,  however,  made  a 
skilful  retreat  upon  Warsaw,  where  he  was  besieged  by  a  large 
Prussian  army.  He  defended  the  place  for  ten  weeks,  when, 
after  sustaining  a  loss  of  20,000  men  the  Prussian  commander 
was  obliged  to  raise  the  siege  and  retire  to  his  own  territories. — 
During  this  siege  the  Russians  had  overrun  Lithuania  and  Volhy- 
nia;  and  Kosciusko  being  at  liberty,  marched  to  oppose  them. 
The  eyes  of  Europe  and  America  were  fixed  on  him,-  as  this 
was  justly  viewed  as  the  last  struggle  of  an  oppressed  but  bravo 
people;  all  who  loved  liberty,  or  regarded  justice,  felt  an  ardent 
desire  for  their  success;  and  from  the  noble  spirit  which  perva- 
ded the  nation,  and  from  the  victories  which  had  been  achieved, 
<great  hopes  were  entertained.  These,  however,  were  too  soon 
found  to  he  fallacious;  fortune  did  not  favor  the  patriot  chjef. 


5S0  KOSCIUSKO. 

and  Poland  was  destined  to  fall  never  to  rise  again,  and  to  be 
erased  from  the  map  of  nations.  Kosciusko  and  his  brave 
companions  in  arms,  righting  for  their  liberty,  the  independence 
of  their  country,  the  safety  of  their  wives  and  children,  displayed 
feats  of  bravery  and  determined  perseverance,  worthy  of  the 
sacred  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged,  with  the  disciplined 
but  ferocious  barbarians  of  the  north. 

After  some  less  important  operations,  a  great  battle  was  fought 
at  Matchevitz,  on  the  19th  of  October,  (1794,)  in  which  Kosci- 
usko was  defeated,  and  his  brave  patriot  army  almost  annihilated. 
The  Russian  general,  Baron  de  Fersen,  on  learning  that  Kosci- 
usko expected  to  be  joined  by  Poniski,  resolved  to  attack  him 
before  a  junction  could  be  effected.  The  action  commenced 
before  light,  and  continued  to  rage  until  past  mid-day;  the 
patriots,  animated  by  the  example  of  their  intrepid  chief,  fought 
like  men  determined  to  conquer  or  die,  and  the  latter,  dreadful 
alternative,  was  the  unhappy  fate  of  a  large  portion  of  these 
brave  men ;  6000  lay  dead  on  the  field,  and  nearly  2000  were 
wounded  or  captured.  Their  intrepid  leader  was  wounded 
and  made  prisoner.  He  was  advancing  a  few  steps  after  he 
received  his  wound,  when  a  Cossack  approached  and  aimed  at 
him  a  dreadful  blow,  which  would  inevitably  have  proved  fatal, 
had  not  a  Russian  officer,  whose  wife  had  been  a  prisoner  to 
Kosciusko,  and  been  treated  with  great  kindness  by  him,  inter- 
posed and  stopped  the  blow.  The  prostrate  hero,  however,  not 
wishing  to  survive  the  fall  of  his  country,  requested  the  officer 
if  he  really  wished  to  do  him  a  kindness,  to  permit  the  soldier  to 
put  an  end  to  his  existance.  But  he  was  made  a  prisoner,  con- 
veyed to  Petersburgh,  and  there  confined  in  a  fortress.  The 
last  vial  of  wrath  was  poured  out  on  Poland,  and  her  fate  was. 
.irrevocably  sealed; — 

"  Oh !  bloodiest  picture  in  the  book  of  time ! 
Sarmatia  fell  unwept  without  a  crime, 
Found  not  a  generous  friend,  a  pitying  foe, 
Strength  in  her  arms,  or  mercy  in  her  wo ; 
Dropp'd  from  her  nerveless  grasp  the  shattered  spear, 
Clos'd  her  bright  eye  and  curb'd  her  high  career ; 
Hope  for  a  season  bade  the  world  farewell, 
Aud  Freedom  shriek'd  as  Kosciusko  fell.'-' 


KOSCIUSKO.  59£ 

Tile  whole  country  was  now  in  the  possession  of  the  Russians 
and  Prussians,  except  Warsaw,  where  the  troops  of  the  inva- 
ders were  marching  to  besiege  it.  The  brave  Poles, "few  but 
undismayed,"  consisting  of  not  more  than  10,000  men,  were 
determined  to  make  a  desperate  resistance,  and  to  sell  their 
lives  as  dear  as  possible.  As  soon  as  the  Russian  army  reached 
the  suburb  of  Prague,  they  erected  during  the  night  several 
batteries,  and  a  furious  assault  was  then  commenced.  The  two 
first  divisions,  after  suffering  sevecely  from  a  vigorous  (ire  of  the 
inhabitants  for  more  than  eight  hours,  at  length  overcoming  all 
•obstacles,  rushed  into  the  place,  pursued  the  routed  foe  through 
the-streets,  slaughtered  about  two  thousand  of  them,  and  drove 
one  thousand  into  the  Vistula.  The  entrenchments  were  every 
where  forced,  and  the  streets  filled  with  dead;  a  regiment  of 
Jews  having  made  an  obstinate  defence,  were  nearly  all  killed  j 
the  fugitives  being  pursued  to  the  river,  which  stopped  their 
flight,  several  thousands  were  massacred.  Not  satisfied  with 
the  slaughter  of  the  battle,  about  ten  hours  afterward,  the  ruth- 
less and  infamous  Suwarrow,  the  Kcngis-Khan  of  modern  limes, 
ordered  the  city  set  on  fire,  and  delivered  the  inhabitants  up  to 
plunder  and  massacre.  No  age,  sex,  or  condition  was  spared, 
but  all  were  alike  exposed  to  the  brutal  violence  of  a  ferocious 
soldiery,  and  were  involved  in  one  common  ruin.  More  than 
.fifteen  thousand  persons  were  killed  or  drowned,  and  about  the 
same  number  made  prisoners;  a  majority  of  whom  were  soon 
after  released.  Humanity  weeps  over  this  horrid  scene,  and 
Christianity  blushes  that  such  savage  monsters  should  assume 
her  name. 

King  Stanislaus  wag  again  taken  to  Grodno,  and  compelled 
to  resign  his  crown,  and  from  thence  was  removed  to  St.  Peters- 
burgh,  where  he  remained  a  prisoner  until  his  death.  As  Russia 
and  Prussia  were  about  dividing  the  spoil,  Austria  suddenly 
stepped  in  and  demanded  a  share;  and  unwilling  to  incur  her 
displeasure,  and  as  stolen  property  is  always  valued  rather 
.  lightly,  they  concluded  to  gratify  her  in  her  wishes,  and  the 
remaining  territories  of  Poland  were  divided  among  the  three, 
royal  robbers.     All  the  patriotic  associates  of  Kosciusko  shared 


S92  COUNT  PULASKft 

the  same  fate  us  their  leader;  they  were  imprisoned  at  Peters- 
burg, and  in  other  fortresses,  where  they  remained  until  the  ac- 
cession of  Paul,  in  1796.  He  showed  great  liberality-4o  the 
persecuted  Poles,  and  set  most  of  them  at  liberty.  Kosciousko 
was  among  the  number,  he  being  permitted  either  to  remain 
in  the  Russian  dominions,  or  to  emigrate  to  America.  He  pre- 
ferred to  retire  to  the  country  of  freedom,  which  he  had  as- 
sisted in  its  struggle  for  its  independence,  and  not  long  after- 
ward came  to  the  Unitod  States. 

We  are  not  informed  how  long  he  remained  here;  but  he  had 
returned  to  Europe  previously  to  the  last  mighty  struggle  be- 
tween France  and  the  allied  powers,  and  in  18J5,  when  the  ar- 
mies of  the  latter  entered  Paris,  he  was  residing  in  that  capitaJ. 
He  was  sought  out  by  the  Polish  soldiers,  who  regarding  him  as 
the  great  patriot  of  their  country,  and  remembering  his  toils, 
exertions,  and  sacrifices  in  defence  of  its  independence,  and  to 
redeem  its  fading  glory,  could  not  sufficiently  express  their 
gratitude  and  veneration  for  him,  then  weighed  down  with 
years  and  sufferings,  yet  illustrious  in  his  misfortunes.  He  died 
soon  after  in  France,  at  an  advanced  age ;  and  since,  his  remains 
have  been  removed  from  a  foreign  grave,  and  deposited  in  the 
cemetery  of  the  kings  of  Poland,  at  Cracow,  where  they  repose 
with  those  of  the  great  S'obieski.  A  monument  of  Carpathian 
marble  has  recently  been  erected  to  the  memory  of  Kosciusko,, 
on  the  summit  of  Mount  St.  Bronislaway,  in  the  neighborhod  o£ 
Cracow.  The  Emperor  Alexander  has  since  caused  the  re- 
mains of  Stanislaus  Poniatowski  to  be  removed  from  St.  Pe* 
tersburgh,  where  he  died  in  1798,  to  the  same  cemetery. 


COUNT  PULASKI. 


Count  Pulaski,  a  distinguished  patriot  of  Poland,  or/d  A 
partizan  warrior;  he  was  one  of  the  distinguished  foreigners, 
who  during  our  revolutionary  struggle  came  to  America,  as  a 
soldier  of  liberty,  to  assist  in  lighting  the  battles  of  freedom.- 


COUNT  pu'laski.  563 

He  had  signalized  his  patriotism  and  valor  in  the  disastrous  war 
in  which  his  country  was  engaged  in  1772,  which  terminated 
in  the  first  dismemberment  of  Poland.  This  unhappy  war  ori- 
ginated from  internal  dissension,  occasioned  by  an  unjust  and 
impolitic  decree  respecting  the  privileges  of  the  Protestants,  in 
Poland  called  the  dissidents.  Having  petitioned  and  remon- 
strated in  vain,  the  dissidents,  being  encouraged  by  Russia, 
Prussia,  and  Austria,  were  resolved  to  appeal  to  the  sword  for 
the  defence  of  their  rights.  A  civil  war  was  thus  commenced, 
which  afforded  an  occasion  for  the  ambitious  and  rapacious  neigh- 
bors of  Poland  to  interfere,  and  as  the  pretended  allies  of  one 
of  the  contending  parties,  invade  the  country.  This  unjust  in- 
vasion aroused  the  spirit  of  the  nation,  and  active  preparations 
were  made  to  defend  the  country.  The  anti-Russian  party,  con- 
sisting principally  of  the  Catholics,  were  called  the  confederates; 
and  the  other  party,  comprising  the  adherents  of  Russia,  acted 
in  concert  with  the  troops  of  the  allies.  The  original  cause  of 
the  contest  was  changed;  and  it  became  really  a  struggle  be- 
tween the  Russian  and  the  anti-Russian  parties,  the  former 
being  supported-  by  troops  of  the  allies,  and  the  latter  feebly 
assisted  by  Saxony  and  France.  Some  time  previous  to  the 
breaking  out  of  this  war,  Stanislaus  Poniatowski,  a  Polish  noble- 
man of  high  rank  and  distinction,  had  been  elected  king  of  Po- 
land by  the  influence  of  Russia.  The  confederates,  or  the  anti- 
Russian  party,  were  jealous  of  him,  considered  him  as  being 
subservient  to  the  court  of  Petersburgh,  and  believed  that  he 
was  secretly  in  favor  of  the  malecontents,  who  had  invited 
foreign  armies  into  the  Country,  and  were  acting  with  them  in 
carrying  on  hostilities.  From  these  views,  it  became  a  great 
object  with  the  confederates,  to  depose  Stanislaus  and  crush  the 
Russian  faction,  and  rescue  the  country  from  the  iufluence  of 
that  dangerous  neighbor. 

Among  the  ardent  partizans  and  leaders  of  the  confederates, 
was  count  Pulaski.  By  him,  and  other  distinguished  Poles,  be- 
longing to  the  anti-Russian  association,  it  was  believed  that 
Poland  could  never  be  safe  nor  tranquil,  until  it  was  rccued 
from  the  paralyzing  influence  of  Russia.  And  regarding  the 
75 


594  COUNT  PULASKI. 

king,  (although  as  subsequent  events  proved,  rather  unjustly,) 
as  subservient  to  that  power,  Pulaski  conceived  and  planned 
the  bold  enterprize  of  seizing  the  king,  and  conveying  him  to 
the  camp  of  the  confederates.  Matters  having  been  arranged 
for  the  execution  of  this  darmg  achievement,  Kosinski,  and  other 
members  of  the  anti-Russian  association,  who  were  intrusted 
with  its  execution,  surprised  and  seized  the  king  at  Warsaw,  al- 
though surrounded  by  a  numerous  body  of  guards,  and  conveyed 
him  into  a  neighboring  forest.  But  his  expostulations  and  en- 
treaties had  such  an  effect  on  Kosinski,  that  he  released  him, 
and  saved  him  from  farther  violence,  he  having  been  wounded 
by  the  assailants.  The  king  was  so  exasperated,  that  he  de- 
clared Pulaski  an  outlaw. 

But  the  confederates  receiving  little  or  no  assistance  from 
France  or  Saxony ;  and  the  combined  powers,  bent  on  the  con- 
quest of  the  country,  filling  it  with  their  troops,  the  contest  re- 
sulted as  might  have  been  expected,  from  the  unequal  means  ot 
the  belligerent  parties.  The  brave  Poles  were  almost  every 
where  defeated,  and  the  numerous  armies  of  the  combined  pow- 
ers overcame  all  resistance,  and  made  themselves  masters  of 
the  country.  Their  unprincipled  designs  were  no  longer  dis- 
guised; but  they  openly  avowed  their  intention  of  seizing  on  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  conquered  country,  and  dividing  the 
spoil  among  themselves.  A  treaty  to  this  effect  having  been 
signed  on  the  2d  of  February,  1772,  they  immediately  ordered 
the  Poles  to  convoke  a  diet,  and  sanction  this  violent  dismem- 
berment, under  a  threat  of  subjecting  the  country  to  military 
execution,  and  treating  it  as  a  conquered  state.  By  these  vio- 
lent measures,  a  majority  of  the  diet  was  constrained  to  sanction 
such  injustice  and  rapacity. 

Many,  however,  of  the  noble-minded  Poles,  rather  than  to  be 
the  unwilling  instruments  of  bringing  their  country  to  ruin, 
prefered  exile  and  poverty;  and  to  avoid  witnessing  the  de- 
gradation of  their  native  land,  sought  an  asylum  abroad. 
Among  this  number  were  count  Pulaski,  and  the  illustrious 
J^osciuskp, 


COUNT  PULASKI.  595 

War  breaking  out  two  years  after,  between  the  American 
colonies  and  the  parent  country,  this  struggle  of  an  infant  peo- 
ple with  their  powerful  oppressors,  excited  the  sympathies  of 
the  friends  of  liberty  throughout  Europe,  and  invited  many  pa- 
triots to  our  shores,  who  volunteered  their  services  in  the  glo- 
rious cause.     Pulaski  and  Kosciusko  were  among  the  number: 
they  arrived,  it  is  believed,  early  in  the  year  1777.     Pulaski, 
who  had   been  an  experienced  cavalry  officer  at  home,  had  a 
command  given  him  in  the  light-horse.     He  was  first  engaged 
in  the  battle  of  the  Brandywine,  in  which  the  young  Marquis  de 
la  Fayette,  and  many  other  foreigners  were  employed.     Count 
Pulaski,  who  commanded  a  party  of  horse,  sustained  his  high 
reputation  for  courage;  his  activity  and  exertions  were  conspi- 
cuous throughout  the  engagement,  and  he  was  particularly  no- 
ticed by  the  cOmmander-in  chief,  as  having  distinguished  him- 
self.    And  congress  were  so  much  gratified  with  his  conduct 
and  promise  of  usefulness  in  that  branch  of  the  service  in  which 
he  was  employed,  that  they  a  few  days  afterward  appointed  him 
a  brigadier  general,  and  commander  of  the  horse.     He  contin- 
ued with  the  army  in  Pennsylvania,  during  the  remainder  of  the 
campaign  in  1777.     Early  the  next  year,  when  Baron  Steuben 
was  appointed  inspector  general,  and  great  exertions  were  made 
by  Washington  to  improve  the  discipline,  and  effect  a  radical 
reform  in  the  army,  Count  Pulaski  was  empowered  to  raise  an 
independent  legion ;  which  he  afterward  accomplished,  and  or- 
ganized and  disciplined  his  men  in  an  excellent  manner.     In  the 
fall  of  this  year,  he  was  unfortunately  surprised  by  a  party  of 
the  enemy,  and  sustained  considerable  loss.     Captain  Ferguson, 
having   returned   to  Egg-Harbor  from  a  predatory  incursion, 
there  obtained  information  of  some  deserters  from  Pulaski's  le- 
gion, of  the  situation  of  that  corps,  which  induced  him  to  at- 
tempt to  surprise  and  attack  it.     Accordingly  Ferguson,  with 
about  two  hundred  and  fifty  men,  embarked  in  barges  in  the 
night,  and  landed  near  where  a  part  of  Pulaski's   legion  was 
quartered,  who,  being  asleep,  and  wholly  unprepared  and  un- 
suspicious of  danger,  were  fallen  upon,  and  about  fifty  of  them 
njassacred,  including  several  officers  of  distinction.     Pulaski. 


596  COUNT  PULASKI. 

having  rallied  his  men  as  soon  as  he  could,  made  an  attempt  to 
cut  off  this  party,  which  immediately  retreated,  but  without 
success. 

In  January,  1779,  General  Lincoln  having  been  appointed  to 
the  command  of  the  southern  department,  Count  Pulaski's  light- 
horse  were  ordered  to  the  south.  After  the  shameful  flight  of 
General  Ashe,  the  British,  under  General  Prevost  obtained  pos- 
session of  the  whole  state  of  Georgia.  The  appointment  about 
this  time  of  John  Rutledge  governor  of  South  Carolina,  clothed 
with  ample  powers,  produced  a  favorable  effect,  and  soon 
changed  the  gloomy  aspect  of  affairs.  Lincoln,  finding  himself 
at  the  head  of  5000  men,  again  resolved  to  act  on  the  offensive. 
He  once  more  crossed  the  Savannah  River,  and  took  such  a  po- 
sition as  would  enable  him  to  intercept  the  supplies  of  the  en- 
emy, from  the  back  parts  of  Georgia;  leaving  General  Moultrie, 
with  1000  men,  at  the  Black  Swamp.  Count  Pulaski's  legion 
of  light-horse,  formed  a  part  of  the  force  under  Lincoln.  The 
American  general  had  no  sooner  made  this  movement,  than  the 
British  commander  determined  to  penetrate  into  South  Carolina. 
Having  collected  a  force  of  3000  men,  he  crossed  the  river  in 
several  places,  and,  traversing  swamps  that  had  been  deemed 
impassable,  appeared  so  unexpectedly,  that  the  militia  under 
General  Moultrie  made  very  little  resistance,  and  retreated 
towards  Charleston. 

The  British  general,  who  at  first  probably  intended  his  move- 
ment only  as  a  feint,  to  draw  Lincoln  back  from  his  expedition, 
emboldened  by  this  success,  resolved  to  push  on  to  the  capital 
of  South  Carolina.  He  accordingly  marched  in  pursuit  of  the 
retreating  militia,  and  coming  up  with  Col.  Laurens,  who  had 
been  left  with  a  party  to  defend  a  bridge,  after  a  sharp  conflict  for 
some  time,  in  which  Laurens  was  wounded,  compelled  the  Ame- 
ricans to  retire,  and  continued  his  march.  Gen.  Lincoln,  judging 
that  the  movement  of  Prevost  was  only  a  feint  to  draw  him  back, 
despatched  Colonel  Harris,  with  300  continentals,  to  reinforce 
Moultrie,  and  continued  his  march  towards  the  capital  of  Geor- 
gia; but  three  days  after,  being  convinced  that  the  British  gene- 
ral meditated  a  serious  attackupon  Charleston,  Lincoln  turned 


COUNT  PULA.SKI.  597 

about  and  retraced  his  steps.  Count  Pulaski's  legion  of  light 
tooops,  were  immediately  ordered  on  to  join  General  Moultrie, 
who  moved  with  such  rapidity,  that  they  came  up  with  him  be- 
,fore  he  reached  Charleston,  and  in  conjunction  with  parties  of 
militia,  made  repeated  stands  on  the  retreat,  and  skirmished 
with  the  advance  guard  of  the  enemy,  which  seemed  to  check 
their  march.  Gen.  Moultrie  and  Colonel  Harris  reached 
Ciaarleston  on  the  9th  of  May ;  and  governor  Rutledge,  with  a 
body  of  militia,  which  had  been  stationed  at  Orangeburg  as  a 
reserve,  on  the  10th;  Pulaski  arrived  with  his  legion  on  the 
11th;  and  on  the  same  day,  near  one  thousand  of  the  enemy 
came  up,  crossed  the  ferry  of  Ashley  River,  and  advanced 
towards  the  town. 

Pulaski  immediately  conceived  a  plan  to  draw  the  enemy  into 
an  ambuscade ;  as  soon  as  they  approached,  he  marched  at  the 
head  of  a  single  company  of  infantry,  and  posted  them  behind 
a  small  breastwork  which  had  previously  been  thrown  up  in  a 
valley,  with  orders  to  remain  concealed;  he  then  returned,  and 
.placingliimself  at  the  head  of  a  small  party  of  horse,  sallied  out 
and  advanced  a  mile  beyond  the  concealed  infantry,  with  a  view 
to  draw  the  enemy's  cavalry  into  action,  intending  after  a  slight 
skirmish  to  retreat,  and  thus  draw  the  enemy's  cavalry  within 
the  reach  of  the  concealed  infantry.  But  the  object  was  de- 
feated by  the  ardour  of  the  infantry;  disregarding  their  orders, 
they  rushed,  out  from  behind  the  breastwork,  to  join  in  the  at- 
tack, in  consequence  of  which,  being  inferior  in  numbers  to  the 
British,  Pulaski  was  obliged  to  retreat.  The  enemy  pressed 
:hard  upon  tl  lem,  but  they  were  met  and  resisted  in  the  most  in- 
trepid mann  er  by  Pulaski,  whose  example  animated  his  men  to 
deeds  of  heroism,  worthy  of  their  brave  leader.  After  this,  se- 
veral skirmi  shes  during  the  day  and  succeeding  night  occurred, 
between  the  -.  cavalry  of  the  two  hostile  parties,  in  all  of  which 
Pulaski's  Iej  ;ion,  led  on  by  their  intrepid  chief,  displayed  a  cool- 
ness and  br  avery  which  has  seldom  been  surpassed,  and  which 
reflected  gi  eat  honour  on  their  gallant  commander,  whose  ex- 
ertions and  example  stimulated  his  brave  men  to  noble  deeds. 
Perhaps  a  b  raver  man  than  Pulaski  never  drew  a  sword;  during 


a£>8  COUNT   PULASKI. 

these  various  encounters,  he  was  repeatedly  engaged  in  single 
combat  with  individuals  of  .the  enemy,  and  sometimes  with  fear- 
ful odds.  In  the  mean  time,  the  troops  within  the  town,  and  the 
inhabitants  of  all  ages  arid  both  sexes,  were  actively  employed 
in  strengthening  their  defences. 

On  the  next  day,  the  1 2th,  the  town  was  summoned  to  sur- 
render, and  although  the  conditions  offered  were  considered- 
favorable;  they  were  not  accepted,  and  the  negotiation  was  pro- 
tracted through  the  day,  by  which  means  further  time  was  ob- 
tained for  improving  the  means  of  defending  the  city.  On  the 
13th,  a  most  extraordinary  proposition  was  submitted  to  the 
British  commander,  which  was  that  the  whole  state  would  re- 
main neutral  during  the  War,  and  its  ultimate  destiny  to  depjnd 
on  the  peace.  If  any  thing  could  exceed  the  pusillanimity  and 
folly  of  this  proposition,  it  was  the  conduct  of  General  Prevost 
in  refusing  to  accept  it,  and  immediately  breaking  up  his  camp 
and  retreating,  without  farther  negotiation,  or  making  any  at- 
tempt upon  the  town. 

General  Lincoln  pursued  the  enemy  to  Stono-Ferrey,  where 
on  the  20th  of  June  he  attacked  a  part  of  Prevost's  force,  under. 
Colonel  Maitland,  and  sustained  a  sharp  conflict  for  an  hour  and 
a  half  with  great  advantage,  when  the  enemy  receiving  a  rein- 
forcement, the  Americans  were  compelled  to  retire,  and  being 
hard  pressed  with  fresh  troops,  considerable  confusion  ensued,, 
at  which  juncture  Pulaski's  horse  charged  the  enemy  with  such 
gallantry  and  spirit  as  checked  their  advance,  and  enabled  Ma- 
son's Virginia  brigade  to  move  up  and  cover  the  retreat. 

In  the  unfortunate  siege  of  Savannah,  Count  Pulaski  was 
engaged  with  his  legion,  and  displayed  his  accustomed  activity 
and  valour,  which  however  proved  fatal,  and  terminated  his 
military  and  earthly  career.  The  unexpected  appearance  of 
the  French  fleet  on  the  American  coast  alarmed  the  British 
forces  in  Georgia.  On  the  13th  of  September,  1779,  the  Count 
D'Estaing  landed  3,000  men  at  Beaulieu,  which,  on  the  15th. 
were  joined  by  Count  Pulaski  with  his  legion;  but  the  rest  of 
the  troops  under  General  Lincoln,  from  the  difficulties  of  the 
r<jute,  did  not  arrive  until  the  16th,  when  the  allied  armies  united 


COUNT  PULASKI.    .  599 

in  front  of  the  town  of  Savannah.  Previously  to  this,  Count 
D'Estaing  had  appeared  with  his  fleet  before  the  town,  and 
summoned  the  garrison  to  surrender.  General  Prevost  artfully 
replied  by  requesting  a  truce  for  four  and  twenty  hours  to  adjust 
the  terms  of  capitulation;  his"  only  object,  however,  being  to 
obtain  time  to  strengthen  his  works  and  means  of  defence. — 
This  request  unfortunately  was  granted,  and  the  time  was  em- 
ployed by  the  besieged,  in  the  most  active  exertions;  and 
within  the  time,  General  Prevost  was  reinforced  by  the  arri- 
val of  his  outposts  which  increased  his  force  one-third.  At  the 
close  of  the  truce,  Prevost  informed  the  Count  that  he  should 
defend  himself  to  the  last  extremity.  On  the  23d,  the  allied 
armies  broke  ground  for  the  siege,  and  proceeded  in  their  work 
with  great  activity.  In  ten  days,  more  than  fifty  pieces  of  bat- 
tering cannon  and  fourteen  mortars  were  mounted ;  which  were 
opposed  by  nearly  one  hundred  of  different  sizes,  and  on  the 
fourth  of  October,  a  tremendous  fire  was  commenced  upon  the 
town.  After  the  batteries  had  played  on  the  town  for  several 
days  without  much  effect,  Count  D'Estaing  being  anxious  about 
the  safety  of  his  fleet,  if  the  siege  should  be  prolonged,  proposed 
to  change  the  plan  q(  operations,  and  make  an  attempt  upon  the 
town  by  storm.  This  Lincoln  was  obliged  to  agree  to,  as  other- 
wise the  Count  threatened  to  abandon  the  siege  altogether. — 
Unfortunately,  information  of  the  intended  assault  was  conveyed 
to  Prevost,  hy  an  officer  who  deserted  from  the  Charleston 
volunteers,  which  enabled  him  to  prepare  for  it.  Savannah  is 
protected  from  an  attack  by  land  by  the  river  on  one  side,  and 
a  deep  morass  on  the  other,  extending  parallel  with  the  river  in 
the  rear  of  the  town.  The  assault  was  made  on  the  morning  of 
the  9th,  before  daylight,  by  two  columns  on  the  enemies  right; 
one  commanded  by  Count  D'Estaing  and  General  Lincoln  in 
concert,  and  the  other  by  Count  Dillon.  The  former  moved 
along  the  margin  of  the  morass,  covered  by  the  darkness,  to 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  enemiy's  line,  when  their  concealed 
batteries  being  unmasked,  a  destructive  fire  was  opened  upon 
them,  which  made  great  havoc.  Undismayed  by  this  slaughter, 
the  column  continued  to  advance,  and  D'Estaing  and  Ljucolh 


600  COUNT  PULASKI 

forced  the  abattis,  and  placed  their  standards  on  the  parapet , 
at  this  time  had  the  other  column  came  up,  the  assault  would 
have  succeeded,  and  the  possession  of  the  enemy's  works  been 
certain;  but  Count  Dillon  unfortunately  lost  his  way  in  the 
darkness,  and  failed  in  affording  the  expected  co-operation. — 
At  this  crisis,  Colonel  Maitland  made  a  vigorous  attack  on  the 
brave  soldiers  who  had  planted  their  standards  on  the  parapet, 
who  were  forced  into  the  ditch,  the  flags  torn  down,  and  the 
whole  column  compelled  to  retire  through  the  abattis.  This 
disastrous  result  of  the  attack,  would  probably  have  been  avoi- 
ded, but  for  the  fatal  termination  of  the  gallant  career  of  the 
brave  Pulaski.  At  the  moment  Colonel  Maitland,  with  his  own 
corps  united  with  the  marines  and  grenadiers,  under  Lieut. 
Colonel  Grazier,  pushed  forward  to  attack  the  assailants,  Pu- 
laski perceiving  the  danger  to  which  the  allied  column  was  pla- 
ced, made  a  bold  effort  at  the  head  of  two  hundred  horsr*,  to 
force  his  way  through  the  enemy's  works  and  gain  the  rear  of 
Maitland,  which  would  have  placed  that  brave  and  skillful  offi- 
cer in  a  critical  situation,  and  in  all  probability  have  changed 
the  fate  of  the  day;  but  whilst  advancing  at  the  head  of  liis  men, 
exposed  to  the  most  tremedous  fire,  the  intrepid  Pulaski  received 
a  mortal  wound,  and  fell  from  his  horse.  The  fall  of  their 
heroic  leader  stopped  the  progress  of  the  squadron,  and  the}' 
immediately  retreated.  He  lived  (wo  days,  and  expired  on  the 
11th  of  October,  1779.  Thus  fell  in  a  most  bold  and  daring 
achievement,  the  distinguished  Polish  patriot  and  hero,  in  the 
cause  of  American  liberty:  his  memory  is  entitled  to  our  vene- 
ration, as  his  life  forms  an  item  in  the  price  of  our  independence. 
Soon  after  Congress  resolved,  that  a  monument  should  be  erected 
to  his  memory;  but  this  paper  statue,  and  the  heroic  deeds  of  a 
bold  and  adventurous  life,  constitute  the  only  monument  that 
has  been  erected  to  his  memory,  or  which  serves  to  perpetuate 
his  fame. 


(  G04  ) 


BARON    DE    KALB. 


Baron  de  Kalb  was  a  native  of  Germany;  but,  having  long 
been  employed  in  the  service  of  France,  previous  to  the  com- 
mencement of  the  American  revolution,  he  possessed  the  char- 
acter of  a  French  officer,  if  not  of  a  French  citizen,  when  he 
Came  to  the  United  States.  He  arrived  here  in  1777,  and  beinc 
an  officer  of  great  experience,  and  undoubted  courage,  he  re- 
ceived the  commission  of  major-general  from  congress.  Early  in 
the  year  following,  he  was  selected  as  one  of  the  officers  in  the 
expedition,  which  had  been  planned  against  Canada,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Albany  to  engage  in  the  enterprise,  the  command  of 
which  was  intrusted  to  the  young  Marquis  de  la  Fayette;  but  the 
preparations  being  wholly  inadequate,  the  expedition  was  aban- 
doned. Generals  Conway  and  Stark  were  also  to  have  joined 
in  the  enterprise. 

In  the  summer  of  1780,  after  the  surrender  of  Charleston,  and 
the  submission  of  the  whole  of  South  Carolina  to  the  royal  au- 
thority, and  all  resistance  in  that  quarter  had  nearly  ceased,  the 
Baron -de  Kalb  was  ordered  by  congress  to  the  south,  to  revive  a 
spirit  of  resistance  and  arrest,  if  possible,  the  prevailing  for- 
tunes of  the  victorious  enemy.  The  situation  of  the  southern 
states,  at  this  time,  was  truly  alarming;  Georgia  and  South  Car- 
olina were  conquered,  and  North  Carolina  was  quiet,  and  ap- 
parently overawed ;  and  congress  felt  the  necessity  of  directing 
their  attention,  in  a  particular  manner,  to  that  quarter,  and  of 
making  every  possible  effort  to  retrieve  their  fallen  fortunes,  in 
that  department  of  the  war.  The  ordering  of  Baron  de  Kalb,at 
this,  time  to  that  station,  is  a  strong  evidence  of  the  confidence 
congress  reposed  in  his  talents.  General  Gates,  whose  reputa- 
tion at  this  time  was  perhaps  second  to  that  of  no  officer, 
except  the  commander-in-chief,  was  appointed  to  the  chief  com-* 
mand  in  the  southern  department;  and  great  hopes  were  in- 
dulged from  the  exertions  of  two  such  distinguished  generals. 
Baron  de  Kalb  arrived  at  Hillsborough  iu  North  Carolina,  at 

76 


602  BARON  DE  KALB. 

the  head  of  two  thousand  continentals,  consisting  of  the  Mary- 
land and  Delaware  lines.  His  approach  revived  the  despondent 
hopes,  and  animated  the  drooping  spirits  of  the  inhabitants;  the 
militia  flocked  to  his  standard  from  North  Carolina  and  Vir- 
ginia, and  were  soon  organized  and  prepared  to  join  him  on  his 
march.  He  had  not  proceeded  far,  before  he  was  overtaken  by 
General  Gates,  who  assumed  the  chief  command;  and  this 
increased  the  joy  which  had  already  been  excited,  and  produced 
sanguine  hopes  of  a  successful  campaign.  The  aspect  of  affairs 
was  at  once  changed;  the.  gloom  of  despondency  was  succeeded 
by  the  brigntening  rays  of  high  expectations;  which  counteracted 
"the  effects  of  the  proclamations  of  Clinton  and  Cornwallis,  and 
brought  many  to  the  American  standard,  who  a  short  time 
before  had  exchanged  their  paroles  forthe  oath  of  allegiance. 
General  Gates,  relying  on  these  favourable  circumstances, 
and  not  sufficiently  cautious,  seemed  only  desirous  of  meeting 
the  enemy.  He  changed  the  route,  which  the  prudence  of  the 
Baron  de  Kalb  had  selected,  leading  through  a  district  which 
afforded  abundant  supplies  for  the  troops,  and  pursued  a  nearer 
route,  but  which  led  through  a  barren  country  scarcely  settled, 
and  where  no  provisions  could  be  obtained,  but  green  corn  and 
unripe  fruits.  This  occasioned  a  fatal  sickness,  of  which  manv 
died, and  more  became  unfit  for  duty;  and  the  horses  also  suffered 
for  want  of  forage,  which  rendered  them  of  little  use :  General 
Gates  moved  toLyncVs  Creek,  which  alone  separated  him  from 
Lord  Rawdon,  when  the  latter  immediately  retreated  to  Camden 
and  despatched  intelligence  of  the  approach  of  the  American 
army  to  Cornwallis.  General  Gates  moved  on  to  Rudgley's 
Mills,  where  he  halted  and  encamped.  Here  being  informed 
by  General  Sumpler,  that  a  party  of  the  enemy  were  on  their 
way,  with  stores  for  the  army  at  Camden,  and  that  with  a  detach- 
ment of  artillery  he  could  intercept  them,  Gates  ordered  Col. 
Woolford,  with  four  hundred  men  and  twofield  pieces  to  his  aid. 
General  Gates  was  joined  here  by  General  Stevens,  with 
several  hundred  Virginia  militia;  and  although  he  had  weak- 
ened his  force  by  detaching  Colonel  Woolford,  he  still  prepared 
to  march  to  Camden,  and  seemed  to  suppose  that  Lord  Rawdon 


BARON  DB  KALB.  6Q3 

would  retreat  at  his  approach,  as  he  had  done  at  Lynclfs  Creek; 
and  he  was  entirely  ignorant  of  Lord  Cornwallis's  arrival. 

The  very  night  that  Gates  moved  from  Rudgley's  Mills, 
Cornwallis  marched  from  Camden,  with  the  intention  of  surpri- 
sing him  in  his  position.  The  advanced  guards  of  the  two 
armies  met  on  the  morning  of  the  16th,  some  hours  before  dawn 
of  light.  Armond's  squadron  of  cavalry,  which  was  in  advance, 
was  immediately  thrown  back  in  confusion^pn  the  Maryland 
regiment,  which  occasioned  some  disorder;  but  the  light  infan- 
try, which  flanked  the  army,  opposed  the  advance  of  the  enemy's 
van,  and  this  first  apprized  the  two  generals  of  the  proximity 
of  their  armies.  Neither  being  willing  to  risk  an  action  in  the 
dark,  both  immediately  halted  and  prepared  for  action.  The 
situation,  which  was  the  result  of  accident,  and  not  of  choice 
6b  either  side,  was  precisely  what  the  enemy  desired,  as  the 
deep  swamps,  on  both  sides,  prevented  the  Americans  from  pre- 
senting a  more  extended  line  than  the  enenay,  which,  from  their 
superior  numbers,  they  might  have  done,  would  the  ground  have 
admitted  of  it.  There  wrere  about  y,000  of  the  British,  and  about 
3,700  Americans,  of  which,  however,  one  thousand  only  were 
continentals.  The  enemy  wrere  drawn  up  in  one  line,  extending 
across  the  whole  ground,  and  flanked  by  the  swamps  on  both 
sides.  Colonel  Webster  was  stationed  on  the  right,  and  Lord 
Rawdonon  the  left:  in  front  of  the  line,  the  artillery,  with  four 
field-pieces,  were  posted ;  the  reserve  were  posted  at  two  stations 
in  the  rear,  near  the  centre  of  each  wing,  at  each  of  which  was 
one  six  pounder;  and  the  cavalry  occupied  the  road  in  the  rear, 
which,  with  the  reserve,  formed  the  second  line.  General 
Gates  changed  the  first  disposition  of  his  troops;  the  second 
Maryland  brigade  and  the  Delaware  regiment  were  posted  on 
the  right,  under  General  Gist:  the  centre  was  occupied  by 
General  Caswell,  with  the  North  Carolina  militia;  and  the 
Virginia  militia,  commanded  by  General  Stevens,  were  placed 
m  the  left,  being  opposed  to  the  best  troops  of  the  enemy. — 
The  artillery  was  divided  among  the  several  brigades ;  and  the. 
first  Maryland  brigade,  under  General  Smallwood,  formed  the 
reserve.     The  line  of  battle   was  intrusted  to  the  Baron  de 


{X)4  BARON  DE  KALIi. 

Kalb,  who  was  posted  on  the  right,  great  reliance  being  placed 
on  his  experience  and  known  intrepidity;  he  was  to  watch  the 
movements  of  the  whale  line,  and  direct  his  exertions  where 
circumstances  might  indicate.  General  Gates  was  stationed  in 
die  road,  between  the  reserve  and  the  front  line. 

The  action  was  commenced  by  a  vigorous  attack  on  the, 
American  left,  by  the  enemy's  right,  which  were  their  best 
troops;  this  wasjmmediately  followed  by  the  discharge  of  ar- 
tillery from  our  centre,  and  the  action  was  soon  commenced 
along  the  whole  line.  The  Virginia  militia  on  our  left,  unable 
to  stand  the  vigorous  assault  of  the  British  veterans,  after  one 
fire  threw  down  their  arms  and  fled ;  and  their  pernicious  exam- 
ple was  immediately  followed  by  the  North  Carolina  brigade  in 
our  centre;  and  all  the  exertions  of  their  officers,  and  of  Gen. 
Gates  in  person,  to  rally  them  was  ineffectual:  rilled  with  con- 
sternation, they  continued  their  cowardly  flight  until  they 
reached  a  place  of  safety.  The  centre  of  the  American  line 
being  thus  broken,  the  right,  consisting  of  the  Maryland  brigade 
and  Delaware  regiment,  led  by  the  gallant  De  Kalb,  had  to 
sustain  the  whole  force  of  the  action,  De  Kalb  and  Gist  were 
pushing  on  with  decided  advantage,  at  the  time  the  militia  gave 
way,  which  stopped  their  advance,  and  brought  the  whole  fire 
of  the  enemy  upon  them;  animated  by  their  brave  leader,  they 
resolutely  sustained  this  unequal  contest  for  a  considerable  time, 
and  until  all  the  other  troops  had  retreated:  several  times  were 
the  enemy's  van  driven  in  with  loss.  General  Smallwood,  with 
the  first  Maryland  brigade,  which  had  formed  the  reserve, 
advanced  and  took  the  place  of  the  fugitives  on  the  left,  which 
exposed  him  to  the  whole  corps  of  Webster's  veterans,  on  the 
enemy's  right.  The  shock  was  too  heavy  for  militia;  three 
times  was  General  Smallwood  compelled  to  give  way,  and  with 
determined  valour  three  times  did  he  return  to  the  charge,  and 
would  probably  have  maintained  his  ground  had  not  the  re- 
maining regimeni  of  North  Carolina  militia,  which  for  some 
time  seemed  resolved  to  retrieve  the  disgrace  of  their  country- 
men, finally  gave  way,  which  compelled  Smallwood's  regiment 
fo  retire  in  some  disorder  from  so  unequal  and  destructive  » 


BARON  DE  KALB,  60S 

contest.    This  left  the  right  the  second  ti  me  exposed  to  the  w]    I < 
force  of  the  enemy.     Few,  but  undismayed,  the  brave  conlinen ; 
tals,  animated  by  the  neroic  conduct  vt  their  chief,  made  a 
determined  effort  to  sustain  the  honour  of  the  field  a'  a 

the  vast  superiority  of  the  enemy,  their  fire  was  heavy  and 
destructive,  and  could  not  be  returned  with  the  same  effect; 
De  Kalb,  therefore,  placed  his  last  hopes  on  the  bayonet,  and, 
making  a  desperate  charge,  drove  the  enemy  before  him  with 
considerable  advantage.  But  at  this  time,  Coruwallis,  perceiv- 
ing that  the  American  cavalry  had  left  the  field,  ordered  Col. 
Tarlton  to  charge  with  his  cavalry,  and,  having  concentrated 
his  whole  force,  the  charge  was  made  with  the  usual  impetuosity 
of  that  daring  officer.  This  was  decisive  of  the  desperate 
conflict,  and  fatal  to  the  gallant  officer  who  is  the  subject  of  (his 
brief  notice.  Fatigued  from  their  long  and  arduous  efforts,  the 
heroic  continentals,  who  had  sustained  almost  the  whole  burden 
of  the  day,  were  unable  to  withstand  the  charge;  and  their 
gallant  leader,  who  was  himself  a  host,  having  fallen,  they  were 
compelled  to  leave  a  field  which  they  had  so  honorable  defended, 
and  seek  safety  by  flight.  The  victory,  and  the  dispersion  of 
the  Americans,  was  complete;  and  the  fugitives  were  pursued 
for  more  than  twenty  miles.  The  troops  under  De  kalb,  on  the 
right, suffered  as  might  be  supposed,  most  severely;  the  Dela- 
ware regiment  was  nearly  destroyed,  two  companies  only  being 
left,  and  more  than  one  third  of  the  continentals  wrere  killed 
and  wounded. 

Perhaps  no  officer  ever  exerted  himself  more,  in  a  single  ac  = 
rion,  than  did  the  Baron  de  Kalb  on  this  occasion;  he  did  all  that 
man  could  do  to  retrieve  the  fortune  of  the  day,  exposing  hint- 
self  to  constant  and  imminent  danger.  He  received  eleven 
wounds  in  the  course  of  the  action;  but  kept  his  post  and  con- 
tinued his  exertions  until  the  last,  which  proved  mortal.  As  he 
fell,  his  aid,  Lieutenant-colonel  de  Buysson,  caught  him  in  his' 
arms,  to  save  him  from  the  uplifted  bayonets  of  the  enemy, 
which  he  warded  off  by  receiving  them  in  his  own  body.  In  his 
last  moments  the  Baron  dictated  a  letter  to  General  Smallwood, 
who  succeeded  to  his  command,  expressing  a  warm  affection  fax 


606  BARON  DE  STEUBEN. 

the  Americans  and  the  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged,  anJ 
his  admiration  of  the  conduct  of  the  troops  under  his  immediate 
command,  whose  bravery  and  firmness,  in  so  unequal  a  contest, 
he  said,  had  called  forth  the  commendation  even  of  the  enemy  5 
and  concluded  by  expressing  the  satisfaction  he  felt  in  having 
fallen  in  the  defence  of  the  independence  and  liberties  of  Ame- 
rica, a  cause  so  dear  to  the  lovers  of  liberty  and  the  friends  of 
humanity,  in  Europe  as  well  as  America.  He  survived  only  a 
few  days:  an  ornamental  tree  was  planted  at  the  head  of  his 
grave,  near  Camden,  and  congress,  duly  sensible  of  his  merits^ 
passed  a  resolution  directing  a  monument  to  be  erected  to  his 
memory,  with  very  honorable  inscriptions,  at  Annapolis,  in  Ma- 
ryland ;  but  the  resolution,  it  is  believed,  has  never  been  carried 
into  effect,  and  the  gratitude  and  plighted  faith  of  the  nation 
both  remain  unredeemed.  He  was  in  the  forty-eighth  year  of 
his  age ;  most  of  his  life  had  been  spe  nt  in  military  employments, 
and  the  last  three  years  in  America,  with  distinguished  repu- 
tation. 


BARON    DE    STEUBEN, 

Major-general  in  the  American  army. 

Frederick  William  Steuben  was  a  native  of  Prussia,  and 
born  in  the  year  1735.  Being  designed  for  the  profession  of 
arms, he  received  a  military  education,  and  was  early  engaged 
in  military  employments.  His  military  science,  undoubted  bra- 
very, and  assiduous  attention  to  duty,  did  not  escape  the  pene- 
tration of  the  great  Frederick,  and  soon  procured  for  the  young 
Baron  the  confidence  of  his  sovereign,  and  the  most  honorable 
preferment.  For  many  years,  he  served  in  the  memorable  cam- 
paigns of  his  sovereign,  the  greatest  commander  of  the  age^ 
with  distinguished  reputation.  This  was  a  school,  in  which  the 
dullest  could  hardly  fail  of  acquiring  experience  and  knowledge 
in  the  art  of  war;  and  at  the  same  time  opened  a  field,  suffi- 
riently  capacious  for  the  most  ardent  aspirant  for  military  famci 


BARON  DE  STEUBEN.  CUV 

The  war,  which  was  terminated  by  the  peace  of  1763,  in  which 
•F ranee,  Austria,  Russia,  Sweden  and  Saxony  were  united 
against  Prussia,  and  which  was  commenced  on  the  part  of  the 
allies,  for  the  conquest  and  spoliation  of  the  dominions  of  his 
Prussian  majesty,  afforded  the  boldest  and  most  successful  cam- 
paigns, and  the  most  splendid  victories,  of  any  in  modern  time*. 
The  exertions  of  the  king  of  Prussia,  in  sustaining  himself, 
with  the  assistance  of  Great  Britain,  as  his  ally,  against  so  many, 
and  so  powerful  enemies,  was  truly  astonishing.  But  his  ac- 
tive genius  overcame  all  difficulties,  taught  his  enemies  to  re- 
spect him,  and  secured  to  him  a  military  reputation,  not  second 
to  any  commander  of  the  age.  To  have  served  with  this  great 
general,  in  his  memorable  campaigns,  and  taken  a  part  in  such 
great  and  splendid  victories  as  those  of  Prague,  Lissa,  Crcvelt, 
Zoondorff,Blinden,  and  Torgau,  was  sufficient  to  confer  experi- 
ence, and  establish  a  military  character,  of  no  ordinary  distinc- 
tion. But  to  have  performed  this  service  under  a  commander  so 
severe,  with  success  and  honor,  and  to-have  secured  his  higher 
confidence,  was  a  more  conclusive  proof  of  military  genius  and 
talents.  And  that  Baron  Steuben  did  this,  is  sufficiently  evi- 
dent, from  the  single  fact,  were  there  no  other,  of  his  having 
served  as  aid  to  his  Prussian  majesty ;  who  would  have  no  officer 
around  his  person,  that  did  not  sustain  the  first  reputation  for 
courage  and  capacity.  The  Baron  rose  to  the  high  rank  of 
lieutenant-general  in  the  Prussian  service. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  American  war,  there  was  a  gene- 
ral peace  in  Europe;  which  favored  the  wishes  of  those  patriots 
and  adventurers  in  that  hemisphere,  who  desired  to  signalize 
their  valor  and  patriotism,  in  assisting  an  infant  people,  strug- 
gling for  their  rights.  Among  the  numerous  foreigners,  who  hon- 
ored the  American  cause,  by  crossing  the  Atlantic  to  serve  i(, 
some  no  doubt  acted  from  no  other  motive,  than  those  which 
usually  govern  the  conduct  of  military  adventurers.  Many, 
however,  without  doubt,  were  influenced  by  more  noble  and  ex- 
alted motives;  a  regard  for  liberty,  and  a  sincere  desire  to  es- 
tablish it  in  the  new  world;  which  might  serve  both  as  an  asy 
lum.  and  an  example  for  the  old.     And,  notwithstanding  the  ar-i 


608  BARON  DE  STEUBEN. 

bitrary  government  of  Prussia,  under  which  he  had  lived,  such 
were  the  sentiments  and  views  of  Baron  de  Steuben.  His  en- 
lightened mind  led  him  to  esteem  civil  liberty,  as  the  highest 
earthly  good;  and  he  was  desirous  of  consecrating  his  attach- 
ment to  it,  by  his  services,  if  not  by  his  blood.  He  sailed  from 
France  to  the  United  States,  and  arrived  at  Portsmouth,  in 
New  Hampshire,  in  November,  1777.  He  brought  with  him 
strong  recommendations  from  the  American  commissioners  at 
Paris,  and  others,  to  congress.  Notwithstanding  which,  how- 
ever, he  informed  that  body,  that  he  wished  for  no  rank,  or  com- 
pensation, and  only  requested  permission,  as  a  volunteer,  to  ren- 
der what  service  he  could  to  the  American  army,  and  the  cause 
in  which  the  country  was  engaged.  The  following  winter  he 
spent  at  Valley  Forge,  where  the  American  army  was  in  winter 
quarters,  under  Washington.  As  is  well  known,  the  army  a't 
this  time  was  in  a  most  suffering  condition;  being  in  want  of 
provisions,  clothing,  and  almost  every  thing  which  their  comfort 
required.  But,  notwithstanding  these  discouraging  circumstan- 
ces, Baron  de  Steuben  exerted  himself,  with  great  assiduity  to 
improve  the  discipline  and  .manoeuvres  of  the  army.  From  his 
great  military  science  and  experience,  his  prudent  conduct,  and 
the  interest  he  manifested  in  the  cause  he  had  espoused,  he 
soon  acquired  the  confidence  of  Washington.  Early  in  the  year 
1778,  General  Conway  resigned  the  office  of  inspector  general: 
and  Washington,  sensible  of  the  great  military  skill  and  ac- 
quirements of  Steuben,  immediately  recommended  him  to  con- 
gress, for  that  important  post;  which  was  soon  after  conferred 
on  him,  with  the  rank  of  major-general. 

Being  clothed  with  authority,  and  it  being  now  his  particular 
duty  to  attend  to  the  discipline  of  the  troops,  his  distinguished 
talents  as  a  tactician  were  soon  rendered  conspicuous  in  the 
improved  discipline  of  the  troop3.  He  exerted  himself  to  in- 
troduce a  uniform  and  improved  system  of  manoeuvres,  and  by 
his  skill,  perseverence,  and  industry,  effected,  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  troops  at  Valley  Forge,  a  most  important  and 
advantageous  improvement  in  the  discipline  of  all  ranks  of  the 
arm  a-, 


BARON  DE  STEUBEN.  009 

After  General  Arnold  had  treacherously  deserted  his  post  at 
West  Point,  the  Baron  never  failed  to  manifest  his  indignation 
and  abhorrence  of  his  name  and  character,  and  while  inspecting 
Col.  Sheldon's  regiment  of  light-horse,  the  name  of  Arnold 
struck  his  ear.  The  soldier  was  ordered  to  the  front;  he  was  a 
fine  looking  fellow,  his  horse  and  equipments  in  excellent  order 
— "Change  your  name,  brother  soldier,"  said  the  Baron,  "you 
are  too  respectable  to  bear  the  name  of  a  traitor."  "What 
name  shall  I  take,  General?"  "Take  any  other  name;  mine  is 
at  your  service."  Most  cheerfully  was  the  offer  accepted,  and 
his  name  was  entered  on  the  roll  as  Steuben.  He  or  his  children 
now  enjoy  the  land  given  to  him  in  the  town  of  Steuben,  by  the 
Baron.  This  brave  soldier  met  him  after  the  war.  "lam  well 
settled,  General,"  said  he,  "and  have  a  wife  and  son;  I  have 
called  my  son  after  you,  Sir."  "I  thank  you,  my  friend;  what 
name  have  you  given  the  boy?"  "I  called  him  Baron — what 
else  could  I  call  him?" 

When  Sir  Henry  Clinton  evacuated  Philadelphia  for  New 
York,  and  was  pursued  by  Washington,  Steuben  accompanied 
the  American  army;  and  although  he  had  no  particular  com- 
mand, he  volunteered  in  the  action  of  Monmouth.  He  contin- 
ued his  exertions  to  improve  the  discipline  of  the  army,  and  to 
introduce  his  system,  and  thus  establish  uniformity  throughout 
the  different  corps  of  the  army;  and  for  this  purpose,  in  1779, 
an  abstract  of  his  system  of  discipline  and  tactics  was  published 
incompliance  with  the  wishes  of  the  commander-in-chief,  and 
of  congress.  This  being  put  into  the  hands  of  all  the  officers, 
had  a  wonderful  influence  in  improving,  and  giving  uniformity 
to  the  different  corps  of  the  army. 

In  October  1780,  after  the  defeat  and  dispersion  of  the  south- 
ern army  at  Camden,  under  General  Gates,  great  anxiety  was 
felt  for  the  fate  of  the  southern  states:  and  congress,  in  a  parti- 
cular manner,  directed  their  attention  to  the  state  of  the  war  in 
that  department.  General  Greene  was  appointed  to  supercede 
Gates;  Major  Lee  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colo- 
nel, and  ordered  to  join  the  southern  army,  with  his  legionary 
corps ;  and  Baron  de  Steuben  was  directed  to  proceed  to  Virgi- 

77 


610  BARON  DE  STEUBEN. 

nia,  to  organize,  from  the  militia,  and  other  elements  which  the 
state  afforded,  the  means  of  defence  against  the  forces  of  the 
enemy,  then  in  the  state,  and  threatening  the  destruction  of  its 
principal  towns. 

While  upon  this  duty,  a  regiment  had  been  collected,  and 
was  paraded  on  the  point  of  marching,  when  a  well-looking 
man  on  horseback  rode  up  and  informed  the  Baron  that  he  had 
brought  him  a  recruit.  "I  thank  you,  Sir,"  said  the  Baron, 
"with  all  my  heart — where  is  your  man,  Colonel?"  for  he  was 
a  colonel  in  the  militia.  "Here,  Sir,"  ordering  his  boy  to  dis- 
mount. The  Baron's  countenance  changed,  for  he  was  too  hon- 
est to  suffer  an  imposition  to  be  practised  on  the  public.  A  ser- 
geant was  ordered  to  measure  the  lad,  whose  shoes,  when  off, 
discovered  something  by  which  his  stature  had  been  increased. 
The  Baron,  patting  the  child's  head,  with  his  hands  trembling 
with  rage,  asked  him  how  old  he  was?  He  was  very  young, 
quite  a  child.  "Sir,"  said  he, to  the  militia  colonel,  "you  must 
have  supposed  me  to  be  a  rascal."  "Oh  no!  Baron, I  did  not." 
"Then,  Sir,  I  suppose  you  to  be  a  rascal,  an  infamous  rascal, 
thus  to  attempt  to  cheat  your  country.  Sergeant,  take  off  this 
fellow's  spurs  and  place  him  in  the  ranks,  that  we  may  have  a 
man  able  to  serve  instead  of  an  infant,  whom  he  would  basely 
have  made  his  substitute !  Go,  my  boy,  take  the  colonel's  spurs 
and  horse  to  his  wife ;  make  my  compliments,  and  say,  her  hus- 
band has  gone  to  fight  for  the  freedom  of  his  country,  as  an 
honest  man  should  do;"  and  instantly  ordered — "Platoons!  to 
the  right  wheel — forward  march!" 

Colonel  Gaskins,  who  commanded  the  regiment,  fearing  the 
consequences,  after  marching  some  distance,  allowed  the  man 
to  escape,  who  immediately  made  application  to  the  civil  au- 
thority for  redress;  but  Gov.  Jefferson,  Mr.  Madison, and  others, 
not  doubting  the  purity  of  the  Baron's  motive,  and  fully  appre. 
<ciating  his  honest  zeal,  prevented  any  disagreeable  results  at- 
tending this  high-handed  exertion  of  military  power. 

Great  apprehensions  were  felt  for  the  safety  of  Richmond, 
threatened  by  the  British  General  Leslie,  at  Portsmouth;  but 
about  the  time  the  Baron  arrived  at  the  capital  of  Virginia,  the 


BARON  DE  STEUBEN.  61  i 

enemy  left  Portsmouth,  which  prevented  the  necessity  of  those 
measures  which  had  been  planned  for  his  expulsion,  and  Vir- 
ginia, for  a  short  time,  remained  tranquil.  Early  in  January, 
781,  however,  this  repose  was  disturbed  by  the  arrival  of  the 
iraitor  Arnold  in  the  Chesapeake,  who  landed  his  forces  on  the 
James  River,  a  few  miles  below  Richmond.  His  ravages  were 
immediately  felt  at  Richmond,  Smithfield,  and  other  places. 
Baron  de  Steuben  exerted  himself  to  collect  and  organize  a 
force  of  militia  to  oppose  his  destructive  progress.  This  indu- 
ced Arnold  to  retire  to  Portsmouth,  and  commence  works  of  de- 
fence. But  the  militia  came  i:i  slow,  and  a  considerable  portion 
of  which  being  without  arms,  the  Baron  could  do  no  more  than 
protect  the  country  from  the  predatory  incursions  of  small  par- 
ties. These  movements  in  Virginia,  induced  congress  to  order 
La  Fayette  to  the  south,  to  oppose  Arnold,  with  the  expected 
co-operation  of  the  French  fleet.  All  the  troops  of  the  conti- 
nental establisment  of  Virginia,  being  under  General  Greene, 
in  South  Carolina,  the  defence  of  the  state,  against  the  depre- 
dations of  the  enemy,  rested  on  the  militia,  of  which  the  Baron 
had  collected  about  2,000;  one  half  were  on  the  north  side  of 
James  River,  under  General  Nelson,  and  with  the  other  half 
the  Baron  made  an  attempt  to  protect  Petersburgh,  but  his 
means  being  wholly  inadequate  io  the  object,  he  was  obliged  to 
retreat,  and  suffer  the  enemy  to  enter  the  town.  Previous  to 
this,  Arnold  had  been  reinforced  by  General  Phillips,  who  had 
taken  the  chief  command.  The  Baron  could  do  no  more  than 
watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy,  and  check  the  predatory 
incursions  of  small  parties. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette,  with  a  small 
force  of  regulars,  he  joined  Steuben,  and  took  upon  him  the 
chief  command.  Their  united  force  checked  the  progress  of 
General  Phillips,  and  compelled  him  to  turn  his  steps  towards 
City-Point,  where  his  fleet  lay. 

In  the  various  marches  and  countermarches  which  charac- 
terized the  operations  between  La  Fayette  and  Lord  Cornwallis, 
who  soon  after  assumed  the  command  of  the  British  forces  in 
Virginia,  the  Baron  Steuben  afforded  the  most  prompt  and 


tills  BARON  DE  STEUBEN. 

ready  assistance  to  the  young  Marquis.  He  was  stationed  a r 
Point  Fork,  with  500  new  levies  to  protect  the  American  store?, 
when  Tarleton  was  ordered  to  destroy  them;  and  as  the  enemy 
approached,  being  led  into  a  belief  that  the  whole  British  army 
was  near,  he  deemed  it  advisable  to  make  a  rapid  retreat  during 
the  night,  leaving  all  the  stores  to  fall  a  sacrifice  to  the  enemy. 
But  though  he  lost  the  stores,  he  saved  his  men,  and  succeeded 
in  joining  the  Marquis,  at  the  same  time  that  he  received  a 
reinforcement  of  the  rifle  corps,  under  Colonel  Clark,  which 
enabled  the  Marquis  to  assume  a  more  imposing  attitude.  The 
Baron  continued  to  co-operate  with  La  Fayette  in  the  subse- 
quent events  of  the  campaign,  which  was  terminated  by  the  siege 
of  Yorktown.  He  generally  had  the  command  of  militia,  or  of 
new  levies,  and  was  improving  their  discipline  whilst  he  was 
aiding  the  operations  of  the  Marquis.  He  was  present  during 
the  siege  of  Yorktown,  and  exerted  himself  with  great  ardour 
in  the  various  operations,  and  commanded  in  the  trenches  on 
the  day  the  enemy  surrendered,  and  was  entitled  to  a  share  in 
the  honor  of  this  memorable  siege,  which  so  gloriously  termi- 
nated the  great  struggle  in  which  the  country  was  engaged. 

"At  the  siege  of  Yorktown  the  Baron  was  in  the  trenches,  at 
the  head  of  his  division,  and  received  the  first  overture  of  Lord 
Cornwallis  to  capitulate.  At  the  relieving  hour,  next  morning, 
the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette  approached  at  the  head  of  his  divi- 
sion to  relieve  him.  The  Baron  refused  to  quit  the  trenches, 
assigning  as  a  reason  the  etiquette  in  Europe,  that  the  offer  to 
capitulate  had  .been  made  during  his  tour  of  duty,  and  that  it 
was  a  point  of  honor  of  which  he  would  not  deprive  his  troops, 
to  remain  in  the  trend  es  till  the  capitulation  was  signed  or  hos- 
tilities recommenced.  The  dispute  was  referred  to  the  comman- 
der-in-chief, and  the  Baron  was  permitted  to  remain  till  the 
British  flag  was  struck.  While  on  this  duty,  the  Baron  perceiving 
himself  in  danger  from  a  shell  thrown  from  the  enemy,  threw 
himself  suddenly  into  the  trench;  General  Wayne,  in  the  jeop- 
ardy and  hurry  of  the  moment  fell  on  him;  the  Baron  turning 
his  eyes  saw  it  was  his  brigadier,  "  I  always  km  w  you  were  a 
brave  general,"  said  he, '  but  I  did  not  know  you  were  so  perfect 


BARON  DE  STEUBEN.  613 

in  every  point  of  duty,  you  cover  your  general's  retreat  in  the 
best  manner  possible.'  "*  > 

The  Baron  returned  to  the  northward,  and  remained  with 
the  army,  continually  employed,  till  the  peace,  in  perfecting 
its  discipline. 

"  At  the  disbandment  of  the  revolutionary  army,  when  inmates 
of  the  same  tent,  or  hut,  for  seven  long  years  were  separating, 
and  probably  for  ever;  grasping  each  other's  hand,  in  silent 
agony,"  I  saw,  says  Dr.  Thatcher,  in  his  Military  Journal, 
"  the  Baron's  strong  endeavors  to  throw  some  ray  of  sunshine 
on  the  gloom,  to  mix  some  drop  of  cordial  with  the  painful 
draught.  To  go,  they  knew  not  whither;  all  recollection  of  the 
art  to  thrive  by  civil  occupations  lost,  or  to  the  youthful  never 
known.  Their  hardearned  military  knowledge  worse  than 
useless,  and  with  their  badge  of  brotherhood,  a  mark  at  which 
to  point  the  finger  of  suspicion — ignoble  vile  suspicion!  to  be 
cast  out  on  a  world,  long  since  by  them  forgotten.  Severed 
from  friends,  and  all  the  joys  and  griefs  which  soldiers  feel! 
Griefs,  while  hope  remained — when  shared  by  numbers,  almost 
joys!  To  go  in  silence  and  alone,  and  poor  and  hopeless;  it  was 
too  hard!  On  that  sad  day  how  many  hearts  were  wrung?  I 
saw  it  all,  nor  will  the  scene  be  ever  blurred  or  blotted  from  my 
view.  To  a  stern  old  officer,  a  Lieutenant-Colonel  Cochran, 
from  the  Green  Mountains,  who  had  met  danger  and  difficulty 
almost  in  every  step  from  his  youth,  and  from  whose  furrowed 
visage  a  tear  till  that  moment  had  never  fallen,  the  Baron  said — 
what  could  be  said, to  lessen  deep  distress.  'For  myself,'  said 
Cochran, '  I  care  not,  I  can  stand  it;  but  my  wife  and  daughters 
are  in  the  garret  of  that  wretched  tavern.  I  know  not  where 
to  remove,  nor  have  I  means  for  their  removal!'  '  Come,  my 
friend,'  said  the  Baron,  '  let  us  go — I  will  pay  my  respects  to 
Mrs.  Cochran  and  your  daughters,  if  you  please.'  I  followed 
to  the  loft,  the  lower  rooms  being  all  filled  with  soldiers,  with 
drunkenness,  despair,  and  blasphemy.  And  when  the  Baron 
left  the  poor  unhappy  cast-aways,  he  left  hope  with  them,  and 
all  he  had  to  give. — A  black  man,  with  wounds  unhealed,  wept 
*Thacher's  Military  Journal. 


614  BARON -DE  STEUBEN. 

on  the  wharf — (for  it  was  at  Newburgh  where  this  tragedy  was 
acting) — there  was  a  vessel  in  the  stream,  bound  to  the  place 
where  he  once  had  friends.  H.  had  not  a  dollar  to  pay  his 
passage,  and  he  could  not  walk.  Unused  to  tears,  I  saw  them 
trickle  down  this  good  man's  cheeks  as  he  put  into  the  hands  of 
the  black  man  the  last  dollar  he  possessed.  The  negro  hailed 
the  sloop,  and  cried,  '  God  Almighty  bless  you  master  Baron'.' 
"  What  good  and  honorable  man,  civil  or  military,  before  the 
party  spirit  murdered  friendships,  did  not  respect  and  love  the 
Baron?  Who  most?  Those  who  knew  him  best.  After  the 
peace  the  Baron  retired  to  a  farm  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York, 
where,  with  forming  a  system  for  the  organization  and  discipline 
of  the  militia,  books,  chess,  and  the  frequent  visits  of  his 
numerous  friends,  he  passed  his  time  as  agreeably  as  a  frequent 
want  of  funds  would  permit.  The  state  of  New  Jersey  had 
given  him  a  small  improved  farm,  and  the  state  of  New  York 
gave  him  a  tract  of  sixteen  thousand  acres  of  land  in  the  county 
of  Oneida.  After  the  general  government  was  in  full  operation, 
by  the  exertions  of  Colonel  Hamilton,  patronised  and  enforced 
by  President  Washington,  a  grant  of  two  thousand  five  hundred 
dollars  per  annum  was  made  to  him  for  life.  The  summers,were 
now  chiefly  spent  on  his  land,  and  his  winters  in  the  city.  His 
sixteen  thousand  acres  of  land  were  in  the  uncultivated  wilder- 
ness; he  built  a  convenient  log-house,  cleared  sixty  acres,, 
parcelled  out  his  land  on  easy  terms  to  twenty  or  thirty  tenants, 
distributed  nearly  a  tenth  of  the  tract  in  gifts  to  his  aids-de-camp 
and  servants,  and  sat  himself  down  to  a  certain  degree  contented 
without  society,  except  that  of  a  young  gentleman  who  read  to 
and  with  him.  He  ate  only  at  dinner,  but  he  ate  with  a  strong 
appetite.  In  drinking  he  was  always  temperate;  indeed  he 
was  free  from  every  vicious  habit.  His  powers  of  mind  and 
body  were  strong,  and  he  received  to  a  certain  extent,  a  liberal 
education.  His  days  were  undoubtedly  shortened  by  his  se- 
dentary mode  of  life.  He  was  seized  with  an  appoplexy,  which 
in  a  fewhours  was  fatal.  Agreeably  to  his  desire  often  expressed, 
he  was  wrapped  in  his  cloak,  placed  in  a  plain  coffin,  and  hid  in 
the  earth,  without  a  stone  to  tell  where  he  lies.     A  few  neigh- 


BARON  DE  STEUBEN.  6l5 

botfrs,  his  servants,  the  young  gentleman  his  late  companion,  and 
one  on  whom  for  fifteen  years  his  countenance  never  ceased  to 
beam  with  kindness,  followed  to  the  gra\e.  It  was  in  a  thick, 
a  lonely  wood ;  but  in  a  few  years  after  a  public  highway  was 
opened  near  or  over  the  hallowed  sod!  Colonel  Walker 
snatched  the  poor  remains  of  his  dear  friend  from  a  sacreligious 
violation,  and  gave  a  bounty  to  protect  the  grave  in  which  he 
laid  them,  from  rude  and  impious  intrusion.  He  died  in  1795, 
in  the  65th  year  of  his  age."* 

Baron  Steuben  possessed  profound  and  extensive  professional 
knowledge,  the  result  of  much  study  and  experience,  which  was 
united  with  a  competent  share  of  general  science  and  intelli- 
gence, matured  by  great  experience;  he  was  accomplished  in 
his  manners,  correct  in  his  morals,  and  was  sincerely  attached  to 
the  dearest  interest  of  humanity.  His  system  of  discipline  and 
tactics,  was  adopted  in  the  militia  of  the  United  States,  and 
continued  to  be  used  for  a  great  number  of  years ;  and  had  a 
very  extensive  and  salutary  influence  in  promoting  discipline  and 
knowledge  of  the  use  of  arms. 


*Tha«het's  Military  Journal, 


/ 

/ 


c 


w; 


n-"*  ^ft?  <NY?  SfV?  ^' v' 


■T?a».«V?*:»'- 


